A group-oriented activity program was introduced on a psychogeriatric ward, and differences between the experimental ward and three other geriatric wards acting as controls were assessed with respect to their population statistics. The results showed that on the experimental ward discharge rates were higher, the patients were less hostile and showed less behavioral deterioration, and the nurses' attitudes showed significant differences between the wards. It is suggested that greater cohesiveness among staff engaged in a group-oriented activity program will develop if it is introduced into the existing ward structure and if physically sick patients are moved to be nursed separately from ambulant ones.
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Reichenfeld et al. (1973) studied this question.