Evaluating program design in the state hospital setting.

This study used a benchmarking and goal attainment approach to identify the extent to which two state hospital-based programs were doing what they were intended to do. The 1989 version of the Moos Ward Atmosphere Scale (WAS) was used to collect information from staff and patients in resocialization and admissions programs. Analysis of variance revealed differences between and within programs, and t tests revealed differences between the study sample and the WAS norms. Program descriptions, information from the literature, and features of the measurement scale were used to interpret the findings and develop recommendations for improvements.