Nurses' and Patients' Perceptions of the Social Climate in a Forensic Unit in Wales

Abstract

The social climate of the hospital is an important determinant of the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour of patients and employees. In this study we explored the social climate of a newly established forensic unit using the short form of the Correctional Institute Environmental Scale (CIES). Our purpose was to assess the social climate in the clinic according to the views of patients and nursing staff The social climate profiles that emerged showed a high level of congruence between these groups. A statistical analysis revealed significant differences between staff and patient perceptions on three of the nine subscales-autonomy, practical orientation, and staff control. However, both groups perceived the level of staff control to be low. The unit was found to encourage open and supportive relationships between patients and staff.