Humanization of care in acute psychiatric hospitalization units: A scoping review.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Humanization in Mental Health refers to give the same relevance to the clinical needs and to the social, emotional and psychological needs. To identify the published knowledge on current care models related to the humanization of care in acute psychiatric units. Scoping review based on the methodological model of Arksey and O'Malley, and PRISMA methodology. Database searches (Pubmed, Cinahl, Virtual Library, Cuiden, Academic Google and PsycInfo) with the terms: "Humanization," "Hospitals Psychiatric," "Emergency Psychiatric," "Psychiatric Service" and "Psychiatric intensive care units." Twenty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. Four thematic units were identified: aspects related to (i) patient perceptions; (ii) Government policies and hospitality organizational culture; (iii) external factors such as the environment, family or associations; and (iv) safety and security. Only one of the articles mentions the concept analysed, although all of them contribute with key aspects of healthcare humanization, such as the empowerment of the patient, the care model, the staff ratio, the therapeutic relationship, the nursing time of direct dedication to the patient, the therapeutic environment, safety and patient and staff perception of feeling safe. The present study can help to improve the care offered in acute mental health units.