In this paper, we have discussed what we consider to be a basic problem in the field of inpatient care: the relative lack of exploration and analysis of the considerations basic to developing a model for an inpatient facility. We have suggested 3 considerations that we feel are important in such analysis : the feasible and the desirable institution, the theoretical orientation toward mental illness and its treatment, and the purposes and interests practitioners would like the facility to pursue.It is our conviction that if practitioners explore the implications of this kind of analysis, they may be able to formulate more adequate models for inpatient facilities and thus achieve their central objective of contributing more effectively to patient welfare.Abstract Teaser