Psychotherapy patients' views of treatment: On learning from the patient

Abstract

Aims and method: Psychotherapy patients' views of treatment received from two senior registrars were obtained by questionnaire. The aim of the study was to give patients an opportunity to reflect on therapy and help trainees evaluate their therapeutic style and the therapy they provided. Results: The response rate was 86% (25/29). All patients recalled key issues covered in therapy, 96% (24/25) found therapy valuable. Seventy-two per cent (18/25) made comments about therapists' style and 20% (5/25) made suggestions for improvement of the service. Clinical implications: Clinical, service and training implications are discussed and it is suggested that this form of patient survey is a useful adjunct in outcome evaluation of treatments and of training.