Transitioning psychiatric patients for positive outcomes

Abstract

A study was conducted at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Administration Medical Center (LSCVAMC) to examine if moving 20 psychiatric patients from one location to another affected their anxiety level. The LSCVAMC closed their Brecksville facility to consolidate the two Branches (Wade Park and Brecksville), and build a new Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) Tower. These changes were implemented to reduce operating costs for LSCVAMC and reduce the number of inpatient psychiatric beds. A five-question survey was given to each patient one week prior to the move, and immediately following the move to assess their thoughts related to the move. The results showed that despite 45% expressing thoughts that the move to Wade Park made them nervous/anxious prior to the move, no patients expressed that they were anxious post move when asked. Eighty percent of the patients expressed that they would enjoy being in a newly renovated facility. The post report of the patients was no nervousness/anxiety related to the move.