Comparison of the quality of care in psychiatric intensive care units and acute psychiatric wards

Abstract

BackgroundLiterature comparing the quality of care on psychiatric intensive care units and acute wards is sparse, but a review has found differences in key areas e.g. violence, drugs and alcohol.MethodThis study compares the response to questionnaires completed by patients, carers and qualified nursing staff from PICUs and acute wards as part of the Accreditation for Inpatient Mental Health Services (AIMS) process.ResultsThere were few differences between the standards of care on PICUs and acute wards according to patients, carers and qualified nurses. Patients reported a more negative experience of care on PICUs than trained nurses, and in particular rated low standards on accessing records and counselling. Carers reported inadequate involvement in risk assessment an assessment of their needs. Nurses generally gave positive views of standards of care.ImplicationsThe challenging environment of the PICU does not appear to be compromising quality of care. There is however still room for improvement for both acute wards and PICUs in key areas, including full involvement of patients and carers and imparting information.