[Implementation of an Open Door Policy on Two Acute Care Units]

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health Services Research
• Health Policy

Context:

• Amendments to the Baden-Württemberg Psychiatric Assistance Act permit involuntary psychiatric patients on open wards.
• A comprehensive research project was initiated to implement an open-door policy.
• This study evaluates patient and therapeutic team attitudes towards the policy.

Purpose:

• To assess the reception of an open-door policy among psychiatric patients and treatment teams.
• To understand patient and staff perspectives on safety, autonomy, and stigmatization under the new policy.
• To identify areas for improvement in implementing open-door policies in acute psychiatric settings.

Summary:

• Qualitative analysis of 8 focus groups (patients and staff) over one year revealed positive reception of the open-door concept.
• Staff reported safety concerns, while patients indicated the door status had minimal impact on their sense of autonomy or experiences of stigmatization.
• The study highlights the need for addressing specific conflict issues to refine open-door policies.

Impact:

• Provides insights into the successful implementation of open-door policies in psychiatric acute wards.
• Informs policy development and clinical practice regarding patient rights and safety in mental healthcare.
• Contributes to reducing stigma and enhancing patient autonomy within psychiatric treatment settings.