Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-ndw9j Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-05T10:40:00.291Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Attendance at a psychiatric day centre

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Gerry Lynch
Affiliation:
Holywell Hospital, 60 Steeple Road, Antrim, BT41 2RJ, Northern Ireland
Margaret McKee
Affiliation:
North Belfast Day Centre
Daniel M Brennan
Affiliation:
Mater Infirmorum Hospital, Crumlin Road, Belfast BT14 6AB, Northern Ireland

Abstract

Objective: To examine the service utilisation of a newly opened psychiatric day centre. We wished to determine if different diagnostic groups had different perspectives of the day centre, and to see if the drop-out rate differed among clients with neurotic or psychotic disorders.

Method: Demographic and diagnostic data was gathered for all clients referred in the first year of operation of the day centre. Those who defaulted from attendance were visited at home and asked to detail reasons for non-attendance. Those who continued to attend 16 months after the centre opened completed a satisfaction survey.

Results: The drop-out rate was high for both clients with neurotic and psychotic disorders. Clients who continued to attend were very positive about the day centre. Both client groups saw the benefits of attendance in social rather than therapeutic terms.

Conclusions: Consumer opinion may have a valuable part to play in overall measure,measurement of service quality, particularly if it includes the opinion of those who no longer use that service.

Type
Audit
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Holloway, F. Psychiatric day care: the user's perspective. Soc Psychiatry 1988; 35:252–64.Google Scholar
2.Carter, J. Day services for adults. London; George Allen and Unwin, 1981.Google Scholar
3.Bender, M, Pillings, P. A study of variables associated with under-attendance at a psychiatric day-centre. Psychol Medicine 1985; 15:395401.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4.Dept. of Health and Social Security. NHS management enquiry. London; HMSO,1983.Google Scholar
5.Ovretveit, J. Quality health services. London; Brunel Institute of Organisation and Social Studies, 1990.Google Scholar