Premium
Using therapeutic community principles to improve the functioning of a high care psychiatric ward in the UK
Author(s) -
Mistral Willm,
Hall Adam,
McKee Patrick
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
international journal of mental health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.911
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1447-0349
pISSN - 1445-8330
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-0979.2002.00220.x
Subject(s) - seclusion , psychological intervention , psychiatric ward , scale (ratio) , medicine , therapeutic community , nursing , psychiatry , physics , quantum mechanics
: The effects of interventions within a high‐care psychiatric ward, based upon the principles of a therapeutic community, were evaluated. Interventions included an enhanced physical environment, improved communication, clear rules and aims, and improved safety procedures. A Ward Atmosphere Scale, an Attitude Scale, and interviews with staff indicated improvements in ward atmosphere and staff attitudes. Ward records showed a substantial reduction in the use of seclusion for aggressive patient behaviour, and a 62% reduction over 2 years in short‐term staff illness. The authors conclude that similar interventions could be used to improve the functioning of other psychiatric wards.