[Study of selected methods of self-assessment of health, quality of life and satisfaction with treatment. Use among patients four weeks after discharge from a psychiatric ward].
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the investigation was to test selected methods for self-evaluation of health, the quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment. As part of this, to test their fitness as quality estimates in a psychiatric ward.


METHODS
Four weeks after discharge questionnaires were sent to all patients and they were asked to participate. The methods used were SF-36 (short-form-36 questions), SIP (sickness impact profile), WHO-5, and a scale measuring patient satisfaction with treatment and care.


RESULTS
The response rate was almost 50%. Seventy-five per cent were feeling better or the same as they did one year before admission. Compared with average values in a healthy Danish population, the psychic health of the patients was much lower, as evaluated by the SF-36 and WHO-5. The functional level measured by the SIP was reduced 12-32% from the optimum. About 75% of the patients rated the treatment and care positively.


CONCLUSIONS
The applied methods of self-evaluation of health, quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment were found to be appropriate. For one year, it was possible to obtain and register important data from participating patients without using too many resources. Nevertheless, only 50% answered the questionnaire. It would be desirable to simplify the necessary questionnaires, thus encouraging more patients to respond. From the agreement between the methods, the use of the SF-36, WHO-5, and the satisfaction scale would be sufficient to obtain a qualified measure of the patients' health, quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment and care. Time spent on answering could be reduced to about 20 minutes. Resources spent on registration would be so small that the methods could be used for on-line quality surveillance.
Folker
H
H
Roskilde Amtssygehus Fjorden, voksenpsykiatrisk afdeling, distrikt nord.
Jensen
B M
BM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital; D011788:Quality of Life; D012647:Self-Assessment; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires