The paper describes the procedures and evaluation of a training laboratory (workshop) designed to improve communication among representatives from all disciplines of a psychiatric children's unit. Group problem solving rather than personal insight was emphasized. Tasks relevant to the Children's Services staff were developed from data obtained from individual interviews given prior to the workshop. Pre-workshop, post-workshop, and 5-mo. follow-up questionnaires also provided qualitative and quantitative data for evaluating the effectiveness of the program. Improvements in staff communication and team reorganization following the workshop are described as well as difficulties encountered.
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