It is vital for every health facility, including mental health facilities, to have an optimal staff-to-patient ratio for adequate care.
Staff to patient ratio in mental health refers to the number of patients assigned to each staff. Most times, the staff to patient ratio can be influenced by certain factors like the severity of illness, the type of treatment program, the staff’s qualification, and many more.
What is A Staff to Patient Ratio in a Mental Health Facility?
The variations in the staff to patient ratio in health facilities depends on the treatment programs and the number of staff and patients available. However, a standard staff-patient ratio in mental health translates to;
- One nurse to 4/6 patients during the day
- One nurse to 7 patients overnight
- In acute mental health patients, one to one or one to two depending on the level of need.
The Importance of a Balanced Staff to Patient Ratio
A balanced staff to patient ratio will lead to many positive outcomes, not just for the patients but also for the staff and the facilities. That’s why the staff to patient ratio at Enlight Treatment Center is 3:1.
Why We Have A 3-1 Staff to Patient Ratio?
-
To offer Personalized and Tailored Care
Standard staff to patient ratio makes it easy to deliver personalized services to patients living with mental illness. NIH confirms that an appropriate staff to patient ratio in mental health facilities enhances patient-staff relation and satisfaction.
At Enlight, we do not offer a one size fits all treatment option. We believe in the uniqueness of each patient and tailor services that will suit their needs. The best way to accomplish those needs is through a balanced staff to patient ratio.
-
To Prevent Nurse Fatigue
Mental health patients require attention and, in some critical cases, a lot of attention. However, nurses with many duties to do will quickly burn out, affecting their nursing duties. Our 3 in 1 staffing ratio prevents nurse fatigue as our staffs have fewer patients to care for at a time. This ensures our patients get the attention they need.
-
Safety and Reduction in Errors
Falls, accidents, medication errors, and other mistakes are likely to happen in facilities with inadequate staff. However, a 3:1 staff to patient ratio in mental health makes it easy for staff to monitor patients adequately and learn about their diagnosis to deliver treatment and care without mix up.
-
To Provide Quality Care
The quality of care a patient receives increases since our staff has fewer duties to attend to. A study done on 845 patients showed that 95 percent are more likely to recover fast when hospitals follow a balanced staff to patient ratio.
-
To be Available
There’s nothing more assuring for a patient than having easy access to their nurse. It makes it easy for patients to confide in their caregivers. Also, patients would find it easy to ask questions and make complaints. Interacting with staff extensively regularly can also help patients become more confident in their recovery process.
Enlight Treatment Center
We are a mental health facility that helps people living with mental illness to get their lives back. Asides from an excellent . staff to patient ratio in mental health, Enlight offers high-quality treatment programs, including detoxification and gambling addiction treatment.
We also personalize and tailor our treatment programs to fit the needs of each client. What’s more? We offer a beautiful and outstanding environment that fosters quick recovery. Reach out to Enlight Treatment Center today to start your healing process!
