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

Background There is growing concern about patient satisfaction with psychiatric in-patient provision. This paper measures satisfaction in psychiatric in-patients and its relationships with patient characteristics and ward experiences. Aims To: (a) measure overall in-patient satisfaction; (b) examine its relationship to in-patient, experiences; and (c) examine its relationship to patient factors. Method Four hundred and thirty-three patients were interviewed. Satisfaction 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 approaches to examine patients' experiences in hospital and the causes of dissatisfaction are recommended. Declaration of interest Support was received from Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth Health Authority.