[Multidimensional evaluation of clinical geriatric psychiatry exemplified by the therapy-modifying effect of...

The study describes the multidimensional approach of an evaluation project and analyses the ecological milieu as perceived by the personal of one closed, open and semi-stationary ward respectively by way of a ward atmosphere inventory (Stationsbeurteilungsbogen - SBB - by Engel et al.). The results point to very differing ecological milieus on closed and open wards. Open wards of the fully stationary and the semi-stationary type, however, display only isolated yet prominent differences. The discussion of these results takes into consideration the diagnostically different groups of patients on wards of differing degree of institutionalization, accounts for the burdensome task of running a closed ward, and points to prerequisites of a more adequate care for demented patients.