[Comparison of ward atmosphere between three specialized wards for patients with alcoholism, schizophrenia, and depression and a diagnostic heterogeneous satellite ward].
OBJECTIVE
Does the ward atmosphere differ between three specialized wards for patients with alcoholism, schizophrenia, and depression and a diagnostic heterogeneous satellite ward?


METHODS
The ward atmosphere was assessed by patients and staff with the German version of the ward atmosphere scale (WAS).


RESULTS
The data of 49 co-workers and 41 patients were evaluated. The satellite ward was rated significantly better than the specialized wards by both staff and patients (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
If it is not possible to prove empirically, in future, that specialized wards have treatment advantages, our study suggests for atmospheric reasons that diagnostic heterogeneous wards should be recommended as standard care.
Gebhardt
Ralf-Peter
RP
Zentrum für Psychiatrie Weissenau/Ravensburg. Ralf-Peter.Gebhardt@ZfP-Weissenau.de
Radtke
Marco
M
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000786:Anger; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011566:Psychiatric Aides / Q000523:psychology; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012931:Social Environment