[Subjective Experiences of Ward Rules on Wards for Treatment of Alcohol Dependency]

Objective To examine the understanding of and attitudes towards ward rules among patients and staff on 5 wards for treatment of alcohol addiction in 5 hospitals. 4 wards were specialized, one was a general psychiatric ward. Methods Development of a questionnaire, measurement of patient satisfaction (ZUF-8), ward atmosphere (SBB), and hospital admission experience (FEA-P). Results For 24 previously identified areas, patients (N = 134) and staff (N = 41) reported 18.7 rules on average. Contentment with rules was generally high without significant differences between patients and staff. On the general ward, fewer rules were reported than on the specialized wards. Patient satisfaction, ward atmosphere and hospital admission experience were similar between normal and specialized wards. Conclusions Ward rules are common and detailed, and are highly valued by staff and patients. Rules can be considered as an important element of treatment for patients with alcohol addiction. There was no evidence of a superiority of the disorder-specific wards.