What does the patient think? An evaluation of a general psychiatric ward.

The authors used patients' ratings of treatment effectiveness, resolution of problems, and helpfulness of various staff to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment program on a general psychiatric ward staffed mainly by nonprofessionals. The evaluation also included comparisons with the hospital's other general psychiatric wards on length of stay, cost, and other variables. Patients were found to be generally satisfied with the care provided and with improvements in their condition. The authors believe greater considerations should be given to patients' opinions of the treatment they receive.