Satisfaction with primary and specialized mental health care among patients with mental disorders

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this article is to assess the satisfaction of patients who received primary or specialized mental health care, and to identify variables associated with each level of care. This cross-sectional study included 325 patients with mental disorders (MDs). We used a conceptual framework based on Andersen’s behavioral model, comprising predisposing factors, enabling factors, and needs; socio-demographic, clinical, needs-related, service-use, and quality-of-life variables were integrated into the model. We performed adjusted multiple linear regression models. The mean score on patient satisfaction for primary and specialized care was approximately 4 (range: 3.67–5.0). Regarding enabling factors, better continuity of care and having a case manager were associated with patient satisfaction for both types of care; help received from services and relatives was positively associated with patient satisfaction in primary care, whereas patients on welfare were more likely to be dissatisfied with specialized care. Number of needs was negatively associated with patient satisfaction in primary care and, marginally so, in specialized care. Suicidal ideation was marginally associated with patient dissatisfaction for specialized care only.

Results revealed a high level of patient satisfaction with each type of care, with significant variables related to continuity of care, case management, and needs. The study suggests the critical importance of addressing patient needs comprehensively, and of establishing long-term, individual recovery plans that promote patient satisfaction. Collaboration between relatives of patients and professionals in patient treatment is closely related to satisfaction with primary care. Accounting for the presence of suicidal ideation and patient vulnerability is fundamental to increasing patient satisfaction with specialized care. Increased patient follow-up in the community, work integration, provision of supported housing, and rapid crisis intervention may help improve patient satisfaction with mental health service (MHS) while supporting recovery.

KEYWORDS:

• Andersen’s behavioral model
• mental health services
• Patient satisfaction
• primary mental health care
• specialized mental health care

Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ). Also, we would like to thank the co-investigators, decision-makers, and patients who participated in this research. The study was approved by the Ethics Board of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute (reference number: XX/XX).

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ), grant number 22367.