Citation

Schalast N. Psychiatr. Prax. 2008; 35(4): 175-181.

Vernacular Title

SK-M, ein Kurzfragebogen zur Einschatzung des Stationsklimas im

Affiliation

Institut für Forensische Psychiatrie der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen. norbert.schalast@uni-duisburg-essen.de

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Georg Thieme Verlag)

DOI

10.1055/s-2007-970960

PMID

17768686

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine statistical properties and the validity of a ward climate questionnaire for forensic psychiatric institutions. The 15 item instrument comprises three climate dimensions: Patients' Cohesion and Social Support, Safety (vs. threat by aggression and violence) and Therapeutic Hold. METHOD: On 46 wards in 17 forensic hospitals in Germany, patients and staff filled in the climate questionnaire and further scales, among them the "Ward Atmosphere Scale" and a "Good Milieu Index". Problem events (e. g. wilful damage of property, drug relapse) were listed on each ward over a period of three weeks. RESULTS: 333 staff and 327 patients participated in the study. For both groups, factor analysis of item-intercorrelation generates clear 3-factor-solutions. Item-total correlation and the scales' internal consistencies (Cronbach's alpha = 0.73 - 0.87) are respectable. Correlation analysis evinces many substantial interrelations with other variables. Staff's climate assessments correlate much stronger with patients' climate assessments than with staff's job satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The climate questionnaire is an economic and valid instrument for assessing three meaningful aspects of the ward atmosphere in forensic psychiatry. An English version of the questionnaire--termed Essen Climate Evaluation Schema (EssenCES)--can be downloaded from the internet homepage of the Institute of Forensic Psychiatry Essen ( www.forensik-essen.de ).

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