An Open Psychiatric Ward in a General Hospital

Abstract

Planning the small, open psychiatric service for a general hospital is hampered by the scarcity of psychiatrists and architects who have adequate experience with this problem. Philtosophy of Treatment Program: (1) Early and intensive individual treatment greatly shortens the confinement period of even the acutely disturbed, progressive or suicidal patient. (2) In general, even the most disorganized psychotic person will respond to an attitude of respect and expected compliance to a reasonable request. (3) Maximum security measures with a suicidal patient may deter his recovery. He needs opportunities to prove he can be trusted, and this involves taking calculated risks which the family physician and hospital must be willing to accept. (4) When the family is cooperative and understanding, early discharge and subsequent outpatient treatment is a desirable goal. (5) Non-psychiatric physicians on the staff are encouraged to collaborate with the psychiatrist and follow their patients during the period of psychiatric treatment. Administration and Organization of Staff: An interested and willing general duty nurse can adapt herself to become an excellent psychiatric nurse when there is a continuous program of education through staff meetings and a minimal amount of more formalized training periods. Good continuity of a psychiatric service from the standpoint of the patient, community needs and hospital management requires the cooperation of two or more psychiatrists on any one staff. Atmosphere and Activities: A friendly, permissive atmosphere, together with well-rounded activities can help to break down harmful feelings of being different and inadequate. Invalidism can be checked and earlier and more secure emotional readjustment promoted.