[Expectations and satisfaction from relatives of psychiatric patients in inpatient treatment]

Based upon a content analysis of interviews(n=32), a questionnaire evaluating expectations and satisfaction with psychiatric inpatient care was developed and sent to all caregivers whose ill family members gave their agreement to the survey (n=1 39). The response rate was 41.7% (n=58). Successful treatment of the patient by competent physicians and psychologists, understandable and sincere explanations to caregivers regarding the patient's disease, support of the patient's self-confidence and gains in confidence, psychotherapy for the patient, and by no means psychopharmacological treatment were assessed as most important by caregivers. From their point of view, gaps between expectations and satisfaction with inpatient care exist, especially regard-ing the following aspects: patient psychotherapy, information to caregivers about therapies, medication, side effects and treatment progress, understandable and sincere explanation to care-givers, support in dealing with the patients, and information about the possibilities of rehabilitation after inpatient care.