Abstract
The purpose of the research was to evaluate the effect of a flexible approach to service use versus the established practice in a unit for schizophrenic patients. In particular, the study examined how changing two out of 11 beds from the conventional admissions approach to a user controlled admissions approach affected the experiences of patients and their support network (i.e. relatives, care-staff and the community mental health service). Data were collected by qualitative research interview from the first 18 patients and their support network that completed at least one year on the program. The results demonstrated:
The patients greatly valued the freedom and right to decide when a crisis arose and what help was relevant. This decision made by the patient occurred without facing the need for confirmation by a doctor that this was the case. When coming in contact with patients, the unit appears to have an environment based on equality and support, with a system that does not degrade or humiliate. There was reduction in the use of involuntary admissions.
The results of this study support previous research on empowerment, demonstrating the viability of correcting the unequal distribution of power that occurs in patient admissions, without affecting the need for justifiable treatment.