ATTITUDES OF DISCHARGED MENTAL PATIENTS TOWARD THEIR HOSPITAL EXPERIENCES

Abstract

A questionnaire was developed for assessing discharged patients' attitudes toward certain aspects of their hospital experiences. It was administered to persons recently discharged from a state mental hospital. One group of former patients was interviewed; another group was surveyed by mail. Similar responses were obtained from two groups. About two-thirds of former patients felt that their experiences had been helpful to them. Many negative attitudes toward specific features of the hospital experience were elicited, especially regarding physical conditions. These responses and the rationale and implications of a study of this nature are discussed.