ARTICLE
Bayramzadeh, S. (2017). An assessment of levels of safety in psychiatric units. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 10(2), 66-80.
Abstract
Objectives: This article aims to understand the incident patterns in relation to different types of spaces within a psychiatric unit, which are discussed using the five levels of safety framework.
Methods: In an 81-bed psychiatric hospital, this mixed-method study drew 7 years of incident reports and caregivers’ perceptions gathered through focus groups. Incident reports on physical safety were analyzed based on the five levels of safety framework (N ¼ 1,316). Focus groups (n ¼ 9) explored the caregivers’ viewpoints on patient safety and five categories of spaces.
Results: Overall findings support the five levels of safety pattern, confirming that most incidents occurred in patient rooms and bathrooms; moreover, relatively fewer incidents happened in dayrooms and corridors. Elopements are higher in hallways and dayrooms. Suicide is most common in patient rooms and bathrooms, and violence is more frequent in dayrooms. Focus groups results yielded insightful recommendations.
Conclusions: Levels of safety framework can be adapted to seven categories where seclusion room and admission area would be two of the spaces with least incidents.
Keywords: behavioral health, mental health, patient safety, patient-centered design, psychiatric hospital
Experts
Sara is interested in interdisciplinary research efforts to enhance healthcare outcomes through effective environmental design. Such outcomes include efficiency and the safety and satisfaction of both patients and staff. Her research on outpatient facilities design, psychiatric units design, and surgical environments has appeared in journals such as Health Environments Design & Research, Applied Ergonomics, and BMJ Quality & Safety. In addition, she is interested in opportunities to bridge academia and practice for applied design solutions derived from research. Her practice-based research experience includes research collaborations with HGA Architects and Engineers and BBH Design. Prior to working at Kent State University, Sara was a Research Assistant Professor in Clemson University’s Architecture+Health program and served as a member of the Center for Health Facilities Design and Testing. She holds a Master of Architecture from Miami University and a doctoral degree in Design, Construction and Planning with a concentration in Interior Design from the University of Florida (2015). Her doctoral research explored the role of the built environment on patients’ physical and psychological safety in psychiatric units. Sara is the recipient of the 2016 Joel Polsky Academic Achievement Award from the American Society of Interior Designers for outstanding dissertation.