Psychiatric spaces: a phenomenological case study of staff perspectives after relocation to a new mental health facility

Abstract

Introduction: Patients in mental health care rely on staff for their well-being, security, and quality of treatment. However, staff’s perspective of the physical environment where care takes place remains underexplored. Their insights are crucial to understanding how the environment impacts the quality of care. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the meanings of the physical environment for inpatient care according to staff shortly after relocation to a new mental health facility. Methods: The study employed a phenomenological approach and focus group interviews with 20 staff working in a newly built mental health facility. Data were analysed using van Manen’s existentials and guided by the theory of affordances. Results: The primary findings were as follows: (a) attempting to provide a therapeutic atmosphere, (b) design as symbolism, (c) altering the physical environment means altering time, (d) offering spaces for connection and communication, and (e) embodying the new mental health facility. Conclusion: The findings indicate that regardless of whether affordances are actualized, opportunities and obstacles in the hospital environment impact the staff’s ability to provide inpatient care according to their standards. Conflict arose due to obstacles inherent in the organization and structure of the new mental health facility that limited opportunities to utilize possible affordances.