Ward environment in an inpatient drug dependence treatment unit: II. Attempts to improve ward environment.
Ward activity and atmosphere in a Drug Dependence Treatment Unit were found to be poor in a previous study. The results of two attempts to improve ward environment are reported. The arrival of an occupational therapist had a very slight and restricted effect on the level of patients' constructive activity, and produced only one significant change on the Ward Atmosphere Scale; patients perceived an increase in Practicality. There was, however, a consistent improvement in patients' Vigor and Friendliness mood scores following the arrival of the occupational therapist. A pilot project using cigarettes as reinforces for patient constructive activity produced little sustained effect. Possible reasons for the difficulties in managing drug-dependent patients are discussed, and suggestions made for improvement.
D000339:Affect; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D012931:Social Environment; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014040:Token Economy