To systematically evaluate and compare the differences in treatment outcomes between open and closed psychiatric wards for hospitalized patients with depression, and to provide evidence-based support for optimizing psychiatric ward management models.
Approach:
Key Findings:
A total of 9 RCTs were included. Open psychiatric wards achieved better outcomes than closed wards in depression symptom scores.
Statistically significant differences were found in Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores.
The open ward group had higher treatment adherence compared to the closed ward group.
No statistically significant difference was observed in clinical response rates between the two groups.
No significant publication bias was detected.
Interpretation:
Open psychiatric wards may improve depressive symptoms and treatment adherence among hospitalized patients with depression; however, their effect on clinical response rate is unclear.
Limitations:
The operational definitions of 'open wards' vary significantly across different studies and national contexts.
Differences in ward management models may impact patient outcomes.
Variability in ward management models across different countries may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Conclusion:
Future high-quality, multicenter studies are needed to further verify the efficacy and safety of open psychiatric wards.
