Related Experiment Videos
Patients' characteristics and consumer satisfaction on an inpatient child psychiatric unit
1Department of Psychology, Izaak Walton Killam Hospital for Children, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Insights
This study evaluated a child psychiatric inpatient unit, finding most parents and therapists satisfied with care for children with severe difficulties. Addressing home-based problems during treatment significantly correlated with higher satisfaction levels.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Healthcare Program Evaluation
Background:
- Tertiary care child psychiatric inpatient units serve heterogeneous populations with complex needs.
- Evaluating service quality and patient satisfaction is crucial for optimizing child psychiatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the characteristics of children and families referred to a tertiary care child psychiatric inpatient unit.
- To evaluate the assessment, treatment, and follow-up processes.
- To determine treatment outcomes and consumer satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review of referred cases.
- A consumer satisfaction survey administered to parents and referring therapists.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes and factors influencing satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Admitted children presented with severe difficulties, often from families with multiple issues.
- High satisfaction rates were reported by parents and referring therapists regarding treatment and follow-up.
- A strong positive correlation existed between satisfaction and the extent to which in-hospital care addressed home-based problems.
Conclusions:
- The child psychiatric inpatient unit effectively managed complex cases, with high consumer satisfaction.
- Addressing family and home-based issues within the inpatient setting is vital for positive outcomes and satisfaction.
- Program evaluation is essential for continuous improvement of inpatient child psychiatric services.
Abstract:
This paper reports the results of a chart review and consumer satisfaction evaluation of referrals to a tertiary care child psychiatric inpatient unit. The evaluation involved an examination of the types of child and family difficulties treated during the period of the study; the nature and extent of assessment, treatment and follow-up; treatment outcome and parental perception of factors related to treatment outcome; and the satisfaction of both the parents and referral sources. Results indicated that children admitted for treatment were a heterogeneous group with severe difficulties from families with a number of problems. Most parents and referring therapists were very satisfied with the treatment, recommendations and follow-up provided. Significant correlations were observed between the parents' and referring therapist's satisfaction with the service and the extent to which home based problems were addressed during the child's stay in hospital. In addition, some suggestions are given for strategies to improve services. The findings are discussed with special reference to the value of program evaluations for inpatient child psychiatric services.