Geropsychiatric inpatient care: what is state of the art?

Marianne Smith, University of Iowa
Janet K. Specht, University of Iowa
Kathleen C. Buckwalter, University of Iowa

Abstract

Although dedicated geropsychiatric units have been available for many years, little information is available about them as a group. This article describes a survey that was developed to learn what type of resources, policies, or procedures geropsychiatric inpatient units employed to promote best nursing care practices. Physical changes to the unit and enhanced staff training were components of the current units and were consistently identified as needing enhancement to move to the next level of excellence. An unanticipated outcome was survey respondents' interest in becoming a part of a network of individuals who provide inpatient geropsychiatric care.