Helping the Chronic Psychiatric Patient in an Industrial Therapy Setting
An Experiment in Inter-Disciplinary Co-operation
ANNE PATTIE M.A., A.B.P.S.1,
ANNE WILLIAMS M.A.2, and
DAVID EMERY R.M.N.3
1 Principal Clinical Psychologist, Clifton Hospital, York
2 Social Worker, Liverpool Social Services Department
3 Charge Nurse, Clifton Hospital, York
A research project was initiated by nursing and psychological staff in an attempt to improve the level of functioning of chronic psychiatric patients in an Industrial Therapy Unit. The findings for two experimental groups and a control group suggested that increased stimulation improved the patients' work ability, with the attention of a `mother' figure contributing additionally to this benefit. The formal assessments devised by the staff showed that the patients' potential was neither appreciated nor attained, and it was felt that the short and simple tests constructed were of considerable value in helping staff to be aware of patients' capabilities and potential for improvement.
Submitted on February 1, 1974
