Psychiatric Ward Renovation

Environmental improvements including new day hall furniture, plants, wallpaper and paint, and brighter lighting were carried out on four wards of a 40-year old state psychiatric facility. Staff on these wards rated environmental variables pre- and post renovation; behavioral mapping data for both patients and staff were also collected on one of those wards pre- and post renovation. Results indicate significant pre-post improvements in the ratings of day hall furnishings and plants. Significant main effects for ward were found in a number of environmental variables, reflecting the less demanding nature of the patient population and greater administrative support on these wards. Behavioral data showed a significant decrease in patient stereotypy and a preference for more private seating areas in the day hall following renovation.