H Perera1, R Perera. 1. Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Satisfaction with outpatient care is determined by the extent to which the expectations of users are met. Obtaining the opinion of users is considered a reliable method of assessing the quality of service. The objective of our study was to assess the degree of satisfaction expressed by users of a child psychiatry outpatient service and to match degree of satisfaction with the dropout rate. METHOD: A questionnaire was used to assess the users' expectation of the service and degree of satisfaction. Dropout rate was determined from the clinical records. RESULTS: 165 new referrals to the outpatient service were recruited for the study. 41.2% expected a cure for the child's mental health problem. 65.5% expressed satisfaction with the treatment intervention and time provided at the first consultation. Positive free text comments supported this opinion, but were incongruent with the 32.8% dropout rate after the first and second visits to the clinic. Behaviour problems in children and serious social problems in the families increased the risk of dropout from treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Initial expression of satisfaction with the service by the users does not guarantee continued co-operation with follow up care. Sensitivity in the approach to treatment is needed where there is a higher risk of dropout.
INTRODUCTION: Satisfaction with outpatient care is determined by the extent to which the expectations of users are met. Obtaining the opinion of users is considered a reliable method of assessing the quality of service. The objective of our study was to assess the degree of satisfaction expressed by users of a child psychiatry outpatient service and to match degree of satisfaction with the dropout rate. METHOD: A questionnaire was used to assess the users' expectation of the service and degree of satisfaction. Dropout rate was determined from the clinical records. RESULTS: 165 new referrals to the outpatient service were recruited for the study. 41.2% expected a cure for the child's mental health problem. 65.5% expressed satisfaction with the treatment intervention and time provided at the first consultation. Positive free text comments supported this opinion, but were incongruent with the 32.8% dropout rate after the first and second visits to the clinic. Behaviour problems in children and serious social problems in the families increased the risk of dropout from treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Initial expression of satisfaction with the service by the users does not guarantee continued co-operation with follow up care. Sensitivity in the approach to treatment is needed where there is a higher risk of dropout.
Authors: Diana C Samarakkody; Dulitha N Fernando; Hemamali Perera; Roderick J McClure; Hiranthi De Silva Journal: Int J Ment Health Syst Date: 2010-06-08