The admission and integration model: first‑hand experiences of staff admitted to a mental health ward

Background/Aims Over a period of 6 months, four staff members were admitted on separate occasions to a male acute mental health ward for 1 day. The purpose was for participants to gain personal insight into the experiences of patients on the ward. This study aimed to explore the experiences of staff admitted onto the ward and provide a conceptual model to describe the admission process. Methods Feedback was obtained from the study participants via pre- and post-admission questionnaires and a focus group discussion. These qualitative data were thematically analysed to generate the steps in the admission and integration model. Results Admission to the mental health ward was a useful learning experience for staff members in terms of improving empathy for their patients. A model of ward admission and integration based on these experiences was also developed. The model adhered to Maslow's hierarchy of need, where participants had to re-establish deficiency needs following admission onto the ward. Conclusions The study findings have been shared with other hospital staff, and will be used by a new working group to implement improvements in patient care.