A design approach for psychiatric facilities focused totally on safety can create an inhospitable, institutional, and unlivable environment. Designers must walk a tightrope between the ultimate safe environment and an environment that is therapeutic and fosters healing, according to a recent article posted on the Healthcare Design website.
A homelike environment, however, comes with a number of safety risks. Because of this, designers and facilities must work in conjunction with the clinical staffers on these units and gather input from former patients, to address the issue of designing healthful, therapeutic spaces for patients with psychiatric disorders, according to the article. Furniture safety, access to staff and the potential for self-harm in patient rooms and alone should be discussed with staff.
Read the article.
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