Citation

Olver J, Love M, Daniel J, Norman T, Nicholls D. Australas. Psychiatry 2009; 17(3): 207-211.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia. jamesso@unimelb.edu.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1080/10398560902839473

PMID

19404817

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to investigate the effect of changes of the physical ward environment on levels of arousal and aggression in long-stay patients in a secure extended rehabilitation facility. METHOD: Seclusion episodes, extended seclusion episodes, staff report of aggressive incidents and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) measures of psychopathology were compared in the same group of long-stay rehabilitation patients over a period of 3 months before and 3 months after a move from a temporary, refurbished medical ward to a large, light-filled, purpose-built facility. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were present during both investigation periods. The majority were male (80%) and had a diagnosis of schizophrenia (53%) or schizoaffective disorder (13%). There were statistically significant reductions in the mean number of seclusion episodes, mean number of extended seclusion episodes (> 4 hours) and BPRS total score following the move. There were statistically significant increases in ambient light conditions in the new unit. CONCLUSIONS: The physical environment of long-stay rehabilitation wards may influence aggressive behaviour and arousal in chronically ill patients.

Language: en