Lino Castle - An interior design concept to improve inpatient treatment in child and adolescent psychiatry

Abstract

Lino Castle - An interior design concept to improve inpatient treatment in child and adolescent psychiatry Abstract. Only very few data exist concerning hospital architecture in psychiatry/child and adolescent psychiatry. Previous data suggest that architectural improvements do reduce the application of coercive measures as well as reducing aggressive behavior, endangerment of self and others, and provoking changes in the kind and frequency of medication. In order to improve the overall hospital environment of inpatient treatment, the Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Clienia Littenheid AG developed a spatial and communication concept named "Lino Castle." In cooperation with patients, their parents as well as members of the multidisciplinary team, we implemented a concept that serves to ameliorate the recovery process of the children and adolescents. "Lino Castle" is deeply rooted in the history of the local village and aims to allow patients to feel at ease for the duration of their stay. It hosts seven characters that serve as guardians and protectors of the individual wards and represent various types of disorders and emotional states. The respective architectural concept grew out of the storyline of "Lino Castle" and combines colors, forms, materials, graphics, and furniture to ensure an environment conducive to healing and reduced anxiety. With the implementation of "Lino Castle," we observed that the number of admissions and hospital occupancy increased significantly, whereas the length of stay and the ratio of involuntary admissions in closed wards decreased. We presume that this turn of events is due to higher commitment, acceptance, and less aggressive behavior in the patients, and to higher motivation and work satisfaction in the staff.