Evolution from a locked to an open ward through therapeutically guided group meetings

This paper describes dramatic changes that took place during a two-and-a-half year period within a ward of chronic schizophrenic female patients (140) of a large mental hospital (7,500). Some of the significant problems, techniques used to cope with them, and clinical observations are described. The achievements were possible, the author believes, because resources within the staff and patients were organized by means of regularly scheduled group meetings. Through the process of identifying and accomplishing feasible group goals, the author believes large numbers of institutionalized patients can be helped in spite of limited availability of professional personnel.