The Forensic Psychiatry department at Psychiatric Services Aargau (PDAG) consists of three wards, each accommodating 16 Service Users. The 48 places within the forensic unit are divided into 45 for Service Users under legal measures and 3 reserved for those in crisis situations. Additionally, the department includes an assessment centre, outpatient forensic therapy services, and an advisory centre for adolescent forensic psychiatry. Two of the wards are equipped with two intensive treatment rooms (IVZ) each, which are used for Service Users admitted to the forensic department as well as those transferred from external institutions for crisis intervention. By leveraging innovative technology, the department aims to explore ways to reduce incidents of aggression, minimise medication use, and decrease the need for physical restraint measures.

The results from the Service Users clearly demonstrate that isolation during an acute phase of mental illness can be improved through the use of CoWin. Service Users described the availability of CoWin during their admission as a significant relief, a general support in their situation, and as helpful for passing time, providing distraction, relaxation, calming, promoting sleep, reducing medication use, and alleviating boredom. All 13 interviewed Service Users and the three focus group interviews with the care team regarded CoWin as a highly effective tool for Service Users in this context, as well as a valuable aid in building relationships between the care team and the Service User.