Citation

V. D, S. S. Sci. Res. J. Army Univ. Med. Sci. 2011; 9(1): 50-57.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The goal of hospitalization of a mentally ill person is providing safety for him [her] and others. Especially if he [she] wanted to harm himself [herself]. Usual wards cannot provide adequately for the treatment needs of all psychiatric patients. Structuring of the environment to bring about behavioral changes and to improve the psychological health and functioning of individuals is necessary. The main aim of this research is introduction of Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit [PICU] to controlling emergency state in hospitalized psychiatric patients. Psychiatric intensive care units [PICUs] were designed to create a safe and controlled environment for the management of acutely disturbed psychiatric patients on a short-term basis, with high staffing levels and a limited number of beds. In general, severely psychotic patients exhibiting poor impulse control and who were violent, suicidal, catatonic patients and those who were at nutritional risk due to their mental illness were admitted to psychiatric intensive care units. Many differences exist between these wards and usual sections. Nurses are able to provide a higher level of support and supervision. Nurses and other clinical staff spend therapeutic time directly with service users. No visitors are allowed on a ward during this time and no meetings take place. Threats of violence and self-harm [suicide] were the most significant factors associated with PICU admission. The unit provides a thorough medical, psychiatric and psychosocial assessment, as well as risk assessment for suicide or other violence. Further studies are required to examine the nature and operation of PICUs in other secure psychiatric settings. The PICU is now a well established part of many adult mental health provisions. Besides, our suggestion is opening such wards in psychiatrics hospital in Iran

Language: fa