ABSTRACT
Although available resources have prioritized the provision of alternative forms of supportive care based within the community, research has indicated that demand for inpatient care has remained strong. In Australia, the United Kingdom and the USA bed occupancy rates have remained high, while the duration of hospital admissions was found to be shorter.1-3 Further, the care needs of people admitted into acute inpatient care has become increasingly complex and challenging in terms of both presentation and behaviour.1,4 These combined factors have contributed to a climate in which it has proven difficult for psychiatric nurses and other occupational groups working within acute inpatient settings to provide therapeutic care.2,5
Acute inpatient admission wards provide short-term admission to hospital for the purpose of psychiatric assessment, treatment and care. Acute inpatient care is distinguished from other psychiatric support in that the person in crisis urgently requires admission to hospital, where intensive 24-hour support is provided and the person’s changing condition closely observed. On admission to hospital the person is usually highly distressed and requires a more intensive form of support than that available in community settings.The primary aim of hospital admission is to assess the person’s condition while also providing the human support, care environment and treatment necessary in order to re-establish emotional stability. In hospital, the person is encouraged to become involved in a collaborative helping process. Individual care needs are jointly identified and constructive helping relationships developed. On discharge, responsibility for providing care at home is transferred to a mental health worker based in the community, who continues to work with the person and his/her family or supporters.
