enabling staf to provide adequate care (including personal hygiene) to
bedridden patients must be made available; the absence of such equipment
can lead to wretched conditions. The practice observed in some psychiatric
establishments of dressing patients in pyjamas all the time is not conducive to
strengthening personal identity and self‑esteem; individualisation of clothing
should form part of the therapeutic process.
Psychiatric patients, including forensic patients under examination, should
– health permitting – be ofered at least one hour a day of outdoor exercise
in a reasonably spacious and secure setting, which should also ofer shelter
from inclement weather.9
2.3 Treatment plan
Psychiatric treatment should be based on an individualised approach, which
implies drawing up a treatment plan for each patient, indicating the goals of
treatment, the therapeutic means used and the staf member responsible.
The treatment plan should also contain the outcome of a regular review of the
patient’s mental health condition and a review of the patient’s medication.
Patients should be involved in the drafting of their individual treatment plans
and should be informed of their progress.10
It is important that diferent categories of staf working with psychiatric
patients meet regularly to facilitate teamwork and discuss necessary changes
in the treatment plan. This allows day‑to‑day problems to be identifed and
discussed, and guidance ofered.
Psychiatric treatment
The psychiatric treatment should involve a wide range of therapeutic, re‑
habilitative and recreational activities, such as access to appropriate med‑
ication and medical care. Procedures must be in place to ensure that
medication prescribed is properly provided and to guarantee a regular sup‑
ply of appropriate medicines. Developing a range of therapeutic options,
and involving long‑term patients in rehabilitative psychosocial activities
in order to prepare them for independent life or return to their families,
may be recommended. Occupational therapy should be an integral part
of the rehabilitation programme, providing for motivation, development
9. CPT/Inf (2004)40, CPT/Inf (2012)4.
10. CPT/Inf (2007)15, CPT/Inf (2009)28, CPT/Inf (2009)38.
Psychiatric care and treatment plans Page 33
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