Staff Perceptions of Work Environment in a State Psychiatric Hospital

Abstract
The relationship between staff perceptions of work environment and patient/staff ratios was studied at a state psychiatric hospital. Staff in three separate admission units indicated their perceptions by completing the Work Environment Scale. Significant differences in subscale scores were found among the units and correlated with staff/patient ratios. Hypothesized explanations for these findings are presented along with responses made, subsequent to the study, by the hospital.