Patients with experience of self-admission describe increased autonomy, improved conditions for recovery and reduced strain in relationships with relatives. They also report that access to self-admission provides a greater sense of security and greater room for manoeuvre in everyday life. This is shown in a new study from the Centre for Psychiatry Research at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, in collaboration with Region Stockholm.
Self-admission means that patients, based on an agreement with the healthcare service, can contact a psychiatric inpatient ward directly for a short admission when they themselves assess that support is needed. Patients in the study describe that the possibility itself can reduce stress and anxiety. Knowing that help is readily available can make it easier to cope during difficult moments and to seek support earlier, before a crisis deepens.
In the qualitative interview study, recently published, several participants highlight that it becomes easier to avoid emergency care situations. Psychiatric emergency departments are described as demanding environments where waiting times, repeated assessments and the feeling of not being taken seriously may worsen one's condition. When the pathway to support is perceived as clearer and more predictable, participants describe a reduced need to seek emergency care.
Greater autonomy and better conditions in everyday life
A recurring finding is that self-admission can strengthen autonomy. Being able to initiate care oneself is experienced as increasing both control and involvement in one's own care. Participants also describe how this can build self-confidence and increase trust in healthcare.
For several participants, autonomy is linked to the ability to plan and seek support in time. This can make it easier to maintain everyday life outside healthcare, including routines and stabilising activities such as work, studies or parenting. The possibility of a short planned admission is described as a way to regain balance without completely losing one's footing in everyday life.
'When patients can plan their own admission, care becomes more predictable and therefore also more secure. That sense of security, combined with greater autonomy, means that many experience increased self confidence and a stronger sense of control over their everyday lives.' says Emelie Allenius , specialist psychiatric nurse and doctoral student at the Centre for psychiatry research at the Department of clinical neuroscience .
Patients also describe how the intervention may support recovery by making it easier to use strategies in their crisis plan. They report increased self-awareness, an improved ability to identify early warning signs and greater confidence in their own resources. In some cases, supportive conversations are sufficient to de-escalate a difficult situation. In other cases, a short admission is used as a planned pause to regain stability.
Relationships with relatives may be relieved and strengthened
Relationships with relatives are highlighted as an important part of the findings. Several participants describe that family members become less worried when they know there is a clear possibility of receiving support quickly. Some report improved relationships and less conflict, as both the patient and the family have better opportunities to act earlier.
At the same time, some participants state that relatives should be more involved, when the patient wishes this. Participants request clearer support from healthcare services so that relatives can better understand the model and take part in planning and follow-up.
Increased responsibility can also be challenging
The study shows that increased autonomy may initially be difficult. Some participants describe uncertainty about when the option should be used. Others worry about taking up a bed that someone else might need. The findings indicate that some patients may initially need clearer support from healthcare services for the model to function as intended, particularly for those who need more guidance in assessing their care needs.
Funding
The project was funded by the Swedish Research Council, ALF funding, and the Fredrik and Ingrid Thuring Foundation. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Publication
" From safety to agency: experiences of self-admission among patients with diverse mental health needs ", Allenius E, Strand M, Eckerström J, Rozental A, Omerov P, Salomonsson S. From safety to agency: experiences of self-admission among patients with diverse mental health needs. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, online 11 mars 2026, doi: 10.1080/17482631.2026.2641161.
