[Ward Atmosphere Before and After Relocation of a Psychiatric Hospital to a New Building].

OBJECTIVE

To determine effects on ward atmosphere of a relocation of a psychiatric hospital to a new building.

METHODS

Patients and employees of a psychiatric hospital rated their view of the ward atmosphere using the German version of the Ward Atmosphere Scale before and after relocation of the hospital to a new building.

RESULTS

171 patients and 44 employees participated in the study. There was no influence of the relocation of the hospital on the ward atmosphere. However, working or being treated in the day clinic predicted significantly more positive ratings of the ward atmosphere.

CONCLUSION

Relocation to new buildings alone does not necessarily lead to better ratings of the ward atmosphere.