Virtual Ward

The Virtual Ward is hosted by CSIP and is a place to share good practice between staff and people who use mental health services. The site is designed for all to access information about positive and innovative practice, to read supporting policy and to utilise the examples of training underpinning those examples. You will be able to adjust these to fit your local circumstances. 

virtualward.org.uk

STEPS

Successful Team Engagement in Inpatient Psychiatric Service

Enlightened services and practitioners have for some time recognised that proactive engagement with people at risk is far more effective than over-reliance on traditional defensive formal special observations. The ‘special obs’ approach was often experienced as intrusive, unpleasant and unrewarding for patients and staff alike

A balanced approach to managing risk is required. There is increasing evidence of the positive outcomes associated with engagement in therapeutic initiatives. However, a big problem has been changing attitudes, overcoming resistance and addressing the reasons why staff were reluctant to move to more therapeutic and effective care interventions.

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