Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction With a Government-Funded Free Treatment Programme for Severe Mental...

In China, government-funded free treatment programmes have substantially expanded access to mental healthcare for patients with severe mental illnesses (SMIs). However, the effectiveness and patient satisfaction associated with these programmes can vary significantly. Understanding the factors underlying these variations is crucial for optimising patient adherence and rehabilitation outcomes.

To identify factors influencing SMI patients' satisfaction with a government-funded free treatment programme in District S, Nanjing, China, and propose targeted measures to enhance the programme's effectiveness and improve patient outcomes.

A cross-sectional study.

This study was conducted in 23 community healthcare centres in District S, Nanjing, China, from January to July 2022. A total of 924 SMI patients enrolled in the programme were selected using a two-stage random sampling method. Data on patients' individual characteristics, health behaviours and satisfaction with the programme were collected by a self-developed structured questionnaire. Guided by Andersen's Behavioural Model, hierarchical logistic regression analysis was employed to determine factors associated with patient satisfaction.

Among the 924 valid responses, 51.3% of patients with SMIs reported low satisfaction with the programme. Factors associated with patient satisfaction included individual predisposing, enabling, need and health behaviour variables. Specifically, patients who were employed, had schizophrenia, experienced adverse drug reactions, feared program exposure of their condition and received treatment in hospital were more likely to report lower satisfaction.

This study revealed that satisfaction among SMI patients with the programme remains low, with patient satisfaction primarily determined by individual need and health behaviour factors. Policymakers and stakeholders should implement targeted measures to address these factors and improve patient satisfaction.

The findings offer new insights and scientific bases for policymakers seeking to improve the programme and practical recommendations for stakeholders to develop effective solutions.

STROBE guidelines.

No patient or public contribution.