Spatial Characteristics of Inpatient Psychiatric Wards in Korea: An Architectural Plan Analysis Based on a Nationwide Survey.

Abstract

Objective: The physical environment of inpatient psychiatric wards is central to patient safety, dignity, and recovery, yet national-level empirical evidence based on actual layouts remains limited. This study examined the spatial characteristics of inpatient psychiatric wards in Korea using architectural floor plans.

Methods: Architectural plans were collected from 172 institutions through local public health authorities in a nationwide cross-sectional survey. Of these, 111 institutions comprising 383 wards met the inclusion criteria. Indicators included ward size, beds per ward, floor area per bed, bed distribution by room occupancy, seclusion room size and environmental features, and corridor-based ward typology. Descriptive and stratified analyses were performed by hospital type.

Results: Spatial conditions varied substantially across institution types. Psychiatric hospitals had a mean floor area of 13.08 m² per bed, less than half that of general hospitals (28.63 m² per bed). Beds located in multi-occupancy rooms designed for five or more patients accounted for 62.6% of measured inpatient bed capacity, whereas beds in single-bed rooms represented less than 1%. Seclusion room size varied widely (3.0-22.95 m²), with psychiatric hospitals providing smaller spaces than general hospitals. Double-loaded corridor layouts predominated (83.6%), potentially limiting daylight access and environmental variation.

Conclusion: Inpatient psychiatric wards in Korea are characterized by high density, limited personal space, and inconsistent seclusion room standards. These patterns reflect system-level constraints rather than isolated design choices. Incremental reforms integrating spatial standards with financing and service delivery are needed to support rights-based, recovery-oriented care.