Consumer perspectives on the therapeutic value of a psychiatric environment

Existing reports of the environmental aspects of recovery from mental illness have been confined to consideration of community spaces and the natural environment.

This paper aims to extend this literature by assessing the role of psychiatric settings in recovery.

Nineteen inpatients from the psychiatric unit of a large inner city hospital in Melbourne, Australia, took part in the study, which involved semi-structured interviews and focus groups.

Analysis identified three major themes concerning consumers' experience within the unit: the importance of staff; lack of clear architectural identity resulting in confused or confusing space; and limited amenity due to poor architectural design.

These findings have important implications for the delivery of care in psychiatric environments in ways that promote well being within these settings, and align with relevant mental health policy recommendations.