Satisfaction with in-patient psychiatric services - Relationship to patient and treatment factors

Background There is growing concern about patient satisfaction with psychia tric in-patient provision. This paper measures satisfaction in psychiatric in-patients and its relationships with patient characteristics and ward exp eriences. Aims To: (a) measure overall in-patient satisfaction; (b) examine its relat ionship to in-patient, experiences; and (c) examine its relationship to pat ient factors. Method Four hundred and thirty-three patients were interviewed. Satisfactio n was assessed by a single question, the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ) and by a semistructured interview. Results Over three-quarters of the patients were satisfied, but-two-thirds reported adverse events. Females, younger patients and those detained were more dissatisfied. No significant relationship was found for ethnic group. Results were similar in the mental hospital and district general hospital. Conclusions There remain problems with satisfaction scales. Qualitative app roaches to examine patients' experiences in hospital and the causes of diss atisfaction are recommended. Declaration of interest Support was received from Merton, Sutton and Wandsw orth Health Authority.