Evaluating the Built Environment in Inpatient Psychiatric Wards

Abstract

Objective measurement of the built environment in inpatient psychiatric settings is feasible and can be used to identify features that increase user satisfaction.

The psychiatric ward as a therapeutic space: systematic review

“…26 It is clearly possible to collect large data-sets, but often other factors are not taken into account. For example, two studies using multilevel modelling on large ward samples (199 and 98 wards) 28,32 and one audit involving a large patient sample ( n = 602) 15 reported the presence of other confounding factors that were not addressed (differences in pharmacological regimes, differences in staff numbers and time patients spent in the assessed environments, respectively). Moreover, the long-term effects of design interventions were not monitored, with the exception of the Norwegian study, where the elimination of vandalism in the more home-like ward was shown to have persisted for at least a year.…”

“…Moreover, the researchers suggested that the lack of patient perspectives may limit the applicability of the Ward Design Checklist tool for a broader evaluation of ward design. 32…”

“…Moreover, the researchers suggested that the lack of patient perspectives may limit the applicability of the Ward Design Checklist tool for a broader evaluation of ward design. 32 Qualitative studies of patient and staff perceptions of in-patient wards Qualitative research on patient and staff perceptions of the built environment of in-patient wards is very limited. The three qualitative studies assessed used focus groups with different stakeholders for post-occupation evaluations of new units in Canada, East London and a town in Northern England (online Table DS2).…”

Inpatient aggression in community hospitals

“…Environmental psychologists have identified features in the built environments of psychiatric units that are related to rates of violence. Psychiatric staff recognize that non-corridor designs, which provide good visibility, create safer environments 73 . Nursing stations that are enclosed do not protect staff from violence; no change in the prevalence of aggression is observed when enclosed nursing stations are converted into open stations 74 …”

“…Psychiatric staff recognize that non-corridor designs, which provide good visibility, create safer environments. 73 Nursing stations that are enclosed do not protect staff from violence; no change in the prevalence of aggression is observed when enclosed nursing stations are converted into open stations. 74 Other design features that can reduce violence include single-patient rooms and personal bathrooms.…”