The Impact of Accreditation for 10 Years on Inpatient Units for Adults of Working Age in the United Kingdom

Psychiatric inpatient units in the United Kingdom have been criticized for having falling bed numbers, staff shortages, and brief compulsory admissions. This column describes the impact over 10 years of a voluntary U.K. quality improvement program to provide accreditation for inpatient wards. Performance on evidence-based standards was assessed during peer review visits, and 92 of the 140 wards participating are currently accredited. Improvement was found in patient contact, access to therapies, safety, crisis planning, ability among staff to take breaks, and doctor availability. Availability of activities outside working hours needs improvement. Further work is needed to incorporate clinical outcomes in the accreditation program.