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RE-THINKING ACUTE PSYCHIATRIC INPATIENT CARE.
- Source :
-
International Journal of Social Psychiatry . Sep2004, Vol. 50 Issue 3, p274-284. 11p. - Publication Year :
- 2004
-
Abstract
- Background: Reports of low staff morale and high levels of patient complaints suggest that acute psychiatric wards are not achieving their full therapeutic potential. Aims: This paper reviews some of the 'therapeutic milieu' literature to identify ways of construing ward functioning so as to maximise therapeutic and minimise destructive processes within inpatient units. Method: Relevant papers are reviewed, providing an understanding that permits the inpatient clinician to consider and apply the pertinent concepts. Results: Five key therapeutic functions of the ward environment are identified--containment, support, structure, involvement and validation. Four destructive processes are described, relating to: the isolated patient; group phenomena; the contribution of staff; and structural manifestations in the ward. Conclusions: The inpatient ward can be construed as a 'whole', embodying a range of therapeutic functions, which may need rapid deployment and dismantling, as dictated by changes in ward conditions. The 'ward-as-a-whole' construct complements individualised models of patient care and the practical implications of such thinking could engender a greater sense of agency and job satisfaction in staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00207640
- Volume :
- 50
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- International Journal of Social Psychiatry
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 14914446
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0020764004043146