Lighting set to cut aggression in psychiatric hospital

CUSTOMISED lighting has been installed in a Danish psychiatric hospital in a bid to cut aggressive behaviour and conflicts between patients and staff.

The sophisticated dynamic circadian lighting system is now operational at the Esbjerg Psychiatric Hospital, 200 kilometres west of Copenhagen.

The installation consists of 101 patient rooms with central wards that acts as a control room in which the light can be controlled. Each control room can adjust the colour temperature, colour and illuminance of the lighting in relation to each patient and their specific requirements. From here it is possible to switch between circadian light, emergency light and coloured lights.

The lighting has a major human-centric element to stimulate the staff and patients' circadian rhythm. Feedback says it is already assisting staff and patients to sleep better at night and boosting their well-being in the daytime. It also enhances security for both staff and patients.

The light is tuned to create a calming effect and help minimise the risk of aggressive behaviour and conflicts between patients and staff.

Other projects with full dynamic circadian lighting have shown that the staff finds it easier to fall asleep after evening or night shifts compared to working under standard white lighting conditions.

The fixtures in each room are secured in the ceiling so patients can not do harm to themselves or others during anxiety attacks.

Read more HERE