Minimizing the adverse effects of mass relocation among chronic psychiatric inpatients

Recent studies have reported conflicting results on the impact of intrainstitutional relocation on chronic psychiatric patients. As part of a hospital renovation project, 82 patients were assessed over a period of eight months to determine the effects of mass transfer on physical, mental, and social functioning. Twenty-five staff members also assessed the social climate before and after the transfer. The author found that involuntary relocation of living quarters within the same institution did not significantly affect the functioning of the chronic psychiatric patients. He attributes the lack of disruption to continuity of care in a familiar environment and to a continuous schedule of supportive activities conducted outside of the ward.