PATIENTS VIEWS TOWARDS CARE RECEIVED FROM PSYCHIATRISTS

Background. Measurement of the quality of psychiatric care including a ssessment of patients' views have become increasingly important as exp ectations of the standard of care rises. Method. Attitudes and satisfa ction of acute psychiatric in-patients were investigated using a quest ionnaire looking at satisfaction, patients' views on personal ana prof essional qualities of psychiatrists, empowerment and insight. Results. The response rate was 79.2% (137 out of 173). Patients with a diagnos is of a nonaffective psychotic illness, particularly those lacking ins ight were significantly less satisfied with their care. Respondents we re more satisfied with the personal rather than the professional quali ties of the doctors, and less satisfied with their empowerment and doc tors' availability. Conclusions. In-patients' attitudes towards their psychiatric care involves a complex relationship between clinical and sociocultural characteristics. Satisfaction studies can serve as an im portant monitor and reminder of patient dissent.