The Location of Behavioral Incidents in a Children's Psychiatric Facility

Abstract

Pre-occupancy and post-occupancy studies were incorporated into the design process at a new children's psychiatric facility. Analysis tools included questionnaires, interviews, drawings from children, and the hospital's incident report database which provided information about the environment and "negative" behavior. The impact of the new design on the occurrence of behavioral incidents was examined. It was found that the locations for these behaviors changed from the previous building and that the number of behaviors dropped significantly during the "honeymoon period" following initial building occupation. The data indicated that more negative behaviors occurred in the new semi-private patient rooms than the dormitories of the old building, although staff supported the continued use of semi-private rooms. The results of the post-occupancy evaluation questionnaires and drawings are presented and design guidelines are proposed.