[PIPEQ--a method for measurement of user satisfaction in mental health services]

This study describes the development and testing of the Psychiatric In-Patient Experiences Questionnaire (PIPEQ).

Questionnaire development was based on a literature review, qualitative interviews with patients, and expert opinion. The questionnaire was tested in a postal survey among inpatients at three community health centres affiliated with the psychiatric clinic of Stavanger University hospital during spring 2005. 244 patients received the questionnaire; either they got the questionnaire by mail after discharge or at the institution before discharge.

68 (28%) patients responded to the questionnaire. Items had low levels of missing data. Factor analysis showed that 11 widely applicable items contribute to a measure of overall experiences. Item-total correlations ranged from 0.55 to 0.82. Cronbach's alpha exceeded the criterion of 0.9. Construct validity was supported by comparisons with variables related to patient experience, including overall satisfaction, extent of patient say in the medication decision, necessity of coercion, and mental health status.

The PIPEQ is a brief instrument that covers important aspects of health care experience for psychiatric inpatients and has good evidence for internal reliability and construct validity.