Conversion of a Closed Psychiatric Ward to an Open Ward, Veterans Administration Hospital, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

摘要

The conversion was successfully accomplished with a minimum of problems due largely to the time and effort spent in planning and preparing for the change. The open ward was helpful in improving patient care by eliminating custodial duties and making available more time for individualized care. By providing more patient freedom it gave them an increased sense of human worth and dignity. The project was a valuable experience for the trainee proving such points as: careful planning and preparation of all personnel for the new situation is most important in order to accomplish change; that the establishment of good lines of communication and coordination of all changes with the areas involved are very necessary for a smooth transition; and that all changes must be continually evaluated and adjustments made to meet current demands.