Abstract
This brief intervention study was aimed at establishing whether it was possible to obtain a reliable and valid measure of stress, both qualitative and quantitative, among psychiatric nursing staff on a locked ward in East London. It was hypothesised that the implementation of changes on the ward would reduce stress. It was further hypothesised that the audit of such changes would influence reported indices and levels of stress. Measures comprised the Nurse Stress Index, the Occupational Stress Indicator, The Ward Atmosphere Scale Real - Ideal discrepancy; Incidents; sickness and turnover; level of optimism; and a semi-structured interview. Results showed some trends in improving stress levels on the ward, although the only measure reaching significance was social support as a coping mechanism. The results are discussed both within the terms of the ward milieu, and with an impending reprovision for the whole ward that took place shortly after the intervention.