Ward atmosphere in acute psychiatric in-patient care: patients' perceptions, ideals and satisfaction.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between patients' perception of the real and ideal ward atmosphere and their satisfaction.


METHODS
Patients filled in the Ward Atmosphere Scale (WAS, Real and Ideal Form) and a satisfaction questionnaire. Patient characteristics were derived from clinical assessments.


RESULTS
WAS ratings were almost independent of patient characteristics. Patients in locked wards perceived more anger and aggression and patients subjected to coercive measures perceived less autonomy and practical orientation. Patient satisfaction was predicted by higher scores on the WAS Relationship- and System Maintenance dimensions, explaining 41% of the variance. In particular support, order and organization predicted satisfaction. Except from the areas of anger/aggression and staff control, patients gave the 'ideal' ward higher ratings on all subscales. The perceived gap between the 'ideal' and 'real' ward explained 45% of variance in satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients' perception of ward atmosphere is a clinically meaningful measure appearing to be a strong predictor of satisfaction.
Middelboe
T
T
Department of Psychiatry, Gentofte University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark.
Schjødt
T
T
Byrsting
K
K
Gjerris
A
A
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010465:Perception; D012931:Social Environment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires