The value of purpose built mental health facilities: Use of the Ward Atmosphere Scale to gauge the link between milieu and physical environment

摘要: This study investigated changes in the ‘atmosphere’ of an acute adult mental health setting following relocation to a new purpose-built facility. The Ward Atmosphere Scale (WAS) was designed and validated for specific use hospital-based psychiatric facilities, measures several dimensions environment. In this study, WAS administered consumers staff at periods before also after their There were significant improvements physical atmosphere facility, when compared with old terms ward atmosphere, however, seen occur only small number there minor differences between consumers' perspectives on some indicators. Interestingly, it found that noted less ‘staff control’ setting, raising question understanding control. For only, perception greater levels consumer ‘involvement’ Despite perception, does confirm architecture is important influence both consumers.