Patients' satisfaction with hospitalization in a mixed psychiatric and somatic care unit

A patient satisfaction survey was undertaken in a mixed psychiatric and somatic care unit. An anonymous self-report questionnaire covering setting and satisfaction with care was completed by 60 patients. Median age was 42 (range 20-64), and the majority female (63%). Main ICD-10 diagnostic categories were depressive disorders (51.7%), substance-related disorders (33%) and personality disorders (25%). Somatic comorbidity was present in 60% of patients. Overall satisfaction with care and setting was high. Higher satisfaction was significantly associated with a history of previous hospitalizations in a psychiatric hospital and with being referred to the program by a psychiatrist. These findings emphasize the perceived advantages of mixed units, such as decreased stigmatization of psychiatric inpatients and opportunity to receive adequate treatment for both physical and mental problems during a single hospital stay.