The Search for Acute Solutions

Improving the quality of care in acute psychiatric wards

Acute inpatient mental health care is under extreme pressure with severe staff shortages and high bed occupancy rates. Staff struggle to deliver therapeutic care and service users complain of poor conditions.

This report charts the progress of the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health's three-year project working with four acute inpatient units around the country, to explore ways of improving the quality of care they offer. It shows what can be achieved if managers and staff, patients and families work together to achieve practical changes. It demonstrates the value that even small changes can have for the people affected by them. This book is essential reading for all those interested in improving acute inpatient care.

The supplemental material mentioned in the report is available to download below.

Download Philosophy of Care Leaflet PDF (60 KB)

Download Staff Perceptions Assessment Form PDF (36 KB)

Download Client Perceptions Assessment Tool PDF (36 KB)

Download Ward Audit Form PDF (36 KB)

Download Ward Reviews Good Practice Poster PDF (40 KB)