Factors affecting patient satisfaction with the psychiatric ward round: retrospective cross-sectional study

Aims and Method A questionnaire was distributed to patients in a psychiatric hospital in Birmingham, UK, to identify the factors that affect their satisfaction with the ward round. Results The questionnaire was completed by 42 patients (53% response rate). Waiting time was the only variable to be significantly correlated with total score of patient satisfaction. Regression analysis also identified diagnosis and patients meeting their consultant before the first ward round as significant predictors of patient satisfaction. Clinical Implications Reducing waiting time and ensuring that the consultant meets the patient before the first ward round would make a significant improvement to the in-patient experience, without causing much disruption to standard clinical practice.