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Table 4 Key recommendations for establishing family rooms

From: Developing family rooms in mental health inpatient units: an exploratory descriptive study

Location of rooms:

– label the room ‘Family Room’

– close to nursing station

– high visibility of room within unit

– ease of access to unit entry

– consider level of passing traffic and noise

Aesthetics & content:

– use bright colours on walls

– include appropriate toys/activities for varying age ranges

– include information and brochures on parenting & support services

– decide whether to include electronic equipment/games

– use comfortable & child-friendly furniture

Policy and guidelines for use of rooms:

Develop written policy for use of room, including role/s and processes for:

– scope of room purpose/s and usage

– staff participation & role in child & family visits

– provision of psycho-education & support to parent, children & family

– assessment of parent wellbeing prior to visits

– supervised versus unsupervised family visits

– process for escorting families to and from room

– room entry & exit points (health & safety requirements)

– cleaning & maintenance of toys and contents

– nominate a clinical leader or champion for Family room