Using therapeutic community principles to improve the functioning of a high care psychiatric ward in the UK

✍ Scribed by Willm Mistral; Adam Hall; Patrick McKee

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2002
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 90 KB
• Volume: 11
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1324-3780
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-0979.2002.00220.x

✦ Synopsis

ABSTRACT:

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.