Satisfaction with services following voluntary and involuntary admission

Background: Service user perspectives are essential for the evaluation and development of mental health services. Service users expressing less satisfaction with services subsequently have poorer treatment outcomes. Aims: To measure satisfaction with services following psychiatric admission, and to explore its relationship with a number of clinical and service factors. Methods: A multi-centre observational study was conducted across three mental health services in Ireland. Service users were interviewed and provided with self-report questionnaires. The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) was used to measure treatment satisfaction. Results: The overall level of satisfaction with services was good (CSQ-8 mean score 24.5). Service users who were admitted involuntarily, who experienced physical coercion and lower levels of procedural justice were less satisfied. A better therapeutic relationship, improved insight and better functioning were associated with higher levels of treatment satisfaction. Conclusion: Mental health services should implement strategies to ameliorate the effects of factors associated with lower levels of treatment satisfaction.