Using the Ward Atmosphere Scale to help change the treatment environment

Area of Science:

• Psychiatric Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Environmental Psychology

Background:

• Assessing the therapeutic milieu is crucial for effective psychiatric care.
• Understanding staff and patient perceptions of the ward environment can identify areas for improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of the Moos Ward Atmosphere Scale in a psychiatric unit.
• To identify staff goals for improving the ward environment.
• To measure changes in the ward milieu over time.

Main Methods:

• The Moos Ward Atmosphere Scale was administered to staff, patients, and observers.
• Staff compared their ratings of the existing milieu with their ideal milieu.
• The scale was re-administered seven months later to assess changes.

Main Results:

• Staff identified desired improvements in patient involvement, support, spontaneity, order, program clarity, and staff control.
• Post-intervention ratings showed substantial positive changes across all measured areas.
• The scale facilitated the identification of methods for implementing change.

Conclusions:

• The Moos Ward Atmosphere Scale is effective for assessing and facilitating positive change in psychiatric ward environments.
• The scale provides valuable data for improving therapeutic milieu and patient outcomes.
• The scale aids in measuring the impact of interventions on ward atmosphere.