Program development on an acute in-patient psychiatric unit

Abstract

This article presents a case study on program planning efforts using the Ward Atmosphere Scale WAS to improve the social climate on an acute in-patient psychiatric unit. Using the Real and Ideal forms of the WAS with 29 patients and 15 staff members, an initial needs assessment revealed both groups wanting improvements in the areas of patient involvement, patient support, patient autonomy, practical orientation and program clarity. Based on these findings, changes to policies, procedures, and psychosocial treatment offered on the unit were initiated. A re-evaluation was undertaken 8 months to 1 year following the program changes by re-administering the Real form of the WAS to 30 patients and 15 staff members. Findings suggest that program changes have produced improvements in most of the targeted areas for patients but not for staff.