Psychotherapeutic approaches in acute wards

At present many patients' experience of modern acute wards is at best neutral and at worst anti-therapeutic. This contribution investigates the use of psychotherapeutic approaches on acute wards through examining the evidence base and relevant literature and considers the role of psychodynamic theory and practice in the inpatient experience of the future. It endeavours to answer two questions: Firstly, can the acute ward provide a therapeutic environment in its own right (as opposed to purely a place for medicating and keeping safe)? Secondly, can psychotherapies be applied in the acute ward setting? It discusses five universal qualities of a therapeutic environment and makes practical suggestions as to how these might be achieved on the acute ward. Staff training, supervision and support and the introduction of inpatient groups are felt to be of key importance.