Abstract
BACKGROUND: The therapeutic relationship has been identified as essential for ensuring high-quality care in psychiatric outpatient services, as highlighted in several studies. This study focuses on the content of interactions between patients and staff in psychiatric outpatient care, as well as the quality of care provided, as perceived by the patients. AIM: The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between these interactions and aspects of the perceived quality of care from the perspective of patients in psychiatric outpatient services. METHODS: A sample of 706 patients from psychiatric outpatient clinics in Sweden completed the Verbal and Social Interaction Outpatient (VSI-OP) and the Quality in Psychiatric Care-Outpatient (QPC-OP) instruments. A structural equation model was conducted to explore these associations. The study was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Uppsala, Sweden (Dnr. 2018/186). RESULTS: The model revealed that the staff showing an interest in the patients' feelings, experiences and behaviour influences the patients' perceived quality of participation through an intricate network of mediator variables, including the staff's ability to establish a relationship, a good encounter, support and a high level of information to the patients. High levels of Participation/Empowerment indicate a high level of quality of care in a psychiatric outpatient context. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: The presented model provides an understanding of the associations between staff and patient interactions and perceived quality of care and sheds light on important aspects of quality of care from the perspective of the patients.