An insight into the experience of psychiatric in-patient care from a professional and a user perspective, highlighting problems in creating therapeutic environments within settings which are often poorly resourced, crisis driven and risk aversive

Commended in the Mental Health category of the 2008 BMA Medical Book Competition. This book offers an insight into the experience of psychiatric in-patient care, from both a professional and a user perspective. The editors highlight the problems in creating therapeutic environments within settings which are often poorly resourced, crisis driven and risk aversive. The contributors argue that for change to occur there needs first of all to be a genuine appreciation of the experiences of those involved in the unpredictable, anxiety-arousing and sometimes threatening environment of the psychiatric ward. Each chapter comprises a personal account of in-patient care by those in the front line: people who have been admitted to a psychiatric ward; their relatives; or those that provide the care. These accounts are followed by two commentaries written from different perspectives, suggesting lessons that can be learnt to improve the quality of care. Experiences of Mental Health In-patient Care will be useful for all mental health professionals, including mental health nurses, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, arts therapists, social workers and trainees, as well as service users and carers organisations.

"On every page of the book I found in the accounts of users, carers and professionals gems that encapsulated so much of my own differing encounters with psychiatric in-patient care." Rachel Perkins - From the Foreword "So, halleluiah, in this enlightened book we have a bite-sized collection of intelligent, insightful, and absorbing contributions which refreshes the soul... The book not only challenges but informs and inspires...[I] intend to ensure that as many people as possible are aware of its value." Malcolm Rae - from the Foreword "...a highly illuminating approach and a worthwhile read for anyone seeking an insight into the experience of inpatient care from a variety of perspectives." Clare Allan, The Guardian "...this splendid book is an excellent resource at many levels." - Psychiatric Bulletin "...an excellent, stimulating, useful and welcome book." - Mental Health Practice "This book is likely to become a classic critique of in-patient treatment. Read it; do not despair; race straight to www.starwards.org.uk to find inspiring examples of what many acute wards are managing to achieve, despite the challenges so vividly described in this valuable book." - Marion Janner, Mental Health Today, November 2007 "This is a thought-provoking and challenging publication that poses many questions about how service improvement might occur - essential reading for anyone working in mental health, particuarly students." - Anne Gilbert, Gestalt Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Supervisor, Therapy Today, October 2007 "I would recommend this book for every mental health department because it is a valuable resource." - Pam Schofield, Senior Occupational Therapist, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, March 2008, 71(3) "... this is an essential read for anyone starting work in in-patient settings, but just as valuable for experienced staff to help them remain mindful of their own feelings and reactions in these complex environments, as well as those of service users and carers." - Jonna Siitarinen, Clinical Psychology Forum, October 2008 "This collection of personal accounts brings the experience alive for those involved in inpatient psychiatry. As such it is a valuable resource for mental health professionals, patients, and patients' families." - William M. Regan, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, Vol. 70, No. 3, March 2009