Consumer perspectives on the therapeutic value of a psychiatric environment*. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Donald, Fiona; Duff, Cameron; Lee, Stuart; Kroschel, Jon; Kulkarni, Jayashri
• Is Part Of: Journal of mental health. Volume 24:Number 2(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 63
• Page End: 67
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Mental health -- Periodicals; Mental health services -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.3109/09638237.2014.954692
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8237

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Background</italic>: Existing reports of the environmental aspects of recovery from mental illness have been confined to consideration of community spaces and the natural environment.</p> <p> <italic>Aims</italic>: This paper aims to extend this literature by assessing the role of psychiatric settings in recovery.</p> <p> <italic>Methods</italic>: Nineteen inpatients from the psychiatric unit of a large inner city hospital in Melbourne, Australia, took part in the study, which involved semi-structured interviews and focus groups.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: Analysis identified three major themes concerning consumers' experience within the unit: the importance of staff; lack of clear architectural identity resulting in confused or confusing space; and limited amenity due to poor architectural design.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusions</italic>: These findings have important implications for the delivery of care in psychiatric environments in ways that promote well being within these settings, and align with relevant mental health policy recommendations.</p> </abstract>