Sir,Hospitalization in psychiatry wards is a stressful scenario for patients and their caregivers mainly due to stigma. Added to this, there is lack of privacy as most people in India are accommodated in general wards that have many beds. There are hardly any extra facilities such as books or recreational facility that helps patients or caregivers. Unlike in western countries, it is the caregivers in India who provide round the clock support to patients. Even the caregivers require additional services to make their stay with patients less of burden; however, much focus has been on patients’ psychosocial needs.[1] A study conducted across geriatric hospitals in Wales found that old age people were drawn more into depression when alone in hospitals as inpatients and that books, newspapers, and crafts were popular ways for people to spend their time.[2] As a concept and reality, library services for patients has a long history by itself. To a large degree, their successes have been tied to a persistent recognition that books and reading has an ability to not only distract, amuse, and support but can also foster the rehabilitation of sick people. Providing books and reading as therapeutic aids dates to at least the latter part of the middle ages. Psychiatric hospitals, particularly in the eighteenth and nineteenth century in England, France, Germany, and Scotland maintained libraries for patients since physicians treating the mentally ill in those countries were prescribing reading as therapy.[3]To enhance additional services to inpatients and caregivers, the Department of Psychiatry at JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, had initiated free library services and recreational facilities a year ago. The library also harbors a good number of books and patient education material both in the vernacular and English language for all age groups. A few games and recreational items for in-house utility were made available free of cost.[4] Out of a total of 400 plus patients who received inpatient care in the preceding 1 year, the services were utilized 165 (42%) times. Of this, 70 times it was utilized by (42%) men and 95 times (57%) by females. It is interesting to note that more women utilized the services. While women preferred to read magazines, men spent time browsing pages of books that were intended to create awareness about mental illness. Children and adolescents preferred recreational facilities such board games. Much appreciation was showered by the patients and their caregivers for this simple and innovative initiative. Quoting the words of a 72-year-old school teacher and the caregiver who utilized the services for a period of 4 weeks “books paved the way for a positive outlook on treatment”. At the end of 1 year of these innovative services, the results are encouraging and it is important to see if more centers can replicate to share their experiences.
Financial support and sponsorship
The study was supported by the Department of Psychiatry, JSS Hospital, Mysuru.