Humanization of care in acute psychiatric hospitalization units. Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: Humanization in Mental Health refers to give the same relevance to theclinical needs and to the social, emotional and psychological needs. Aim: To identify the published knowledge on current care models related to the hu-manization of care in acute psychiatric units. Method: Scoping review based on the methodological model of Arksey and O'Malley,and PRISMA methodology. Database searches (Pubmed, Cinahl, Virtual Library,Cuiden, Academic Google and PsycInfo) with the terms: “Humanization,” “Hospitals Psychiatric,” “Emergency Psychiatric,” “Psychiatric Service” and “Psychiatric intensivecare units.” Results: Twenty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. Four thematic units were iden-tified: aspects related to (i) patient perceptions; (ii) Government policies and hospi-tality organizational culture; (iii) external factors such as the environment, family orassociations; and (iv) safety and security. Discussion: Only one of the articles mentions the concept analysed, although all ofthem contribute with key aspects of healthcare humanization, such as the empower-ment of the patient, the care model, the staff ratio, the therapeutic relationship, thenursing time of direct dedication to the patient, the therapeutic environment, safetyand patient and staff perception of feeling safe. Implications for Practice: The present study can help to improve the care offered inacute mental health units.