Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What major societal issue resulted from the community mental health reform movement?

1. Increased funding for mental health services

2. Deinstitutionalization

3. Expansion of mental health education programs

4. Creation of more psychiatric hospitals

The correct answer is: Deinstitutionalization

The societal issue that resulted from the community mental health reform movement is deinstitutionalization. This movement aimed to shift the focus of mental health care from large, state-funded institutions to community-based settings. The goal was to provide individuals with mental health conditions the opportunity to live in their communities with appropriate support services rather than in mental hospitals. As a result of the reform, many individuals who were previously institutionalized were discharged, leading to a significant reduction in the number of patients residing in psychiatric hospitals. While this shift aimed to promote autonomy and integrate individuals into society, it also raised challenges, including the need for adequate community resources and support systems to care for those transitioning from institutional settings. This demographic shift highlighted the gap in services and led to discussions about the quality and availability of care in community settings, which remains a critical issue today.