On the Need for a Closed Ward in an Open Hospital

This study concerns itself with the first 50 patients treated in a locked intensive-care unit at Bronx State Hospital, and describes the problems as well as the advantages of such a ward.

Abstract

The author believes an open-door policy cannot provide adequately for the treatment needs of all psychiatric patients. Previous research at Bronx State Hospital showed that large numbers of patients discharge themselves by walking out, and that this group does not fare well in the community. in 1970 the hospital's Lincoln Service set up a locked intensive-care unit to treat several types of patients who did not respond on open wards. This study concerns itself with the first 50 patients treated, and describes the problems as well as the advantages of such a ward. The author maintains that locking a door need not he considered antiquated nor regressive.