Comparison of quality care in mental health treatment versus medical treatment.

摘要

Aims and Objectives. Society has stigmatized mental illness to such a degree that it is reasonable to investigate whether patients treated for mental illness get the same quality of care as patients treated for medical illness. This paper explores the issue of equity in the delivery and quality of medical and mental health care.;Methods. A comprehensive literature review revealed factors important to both patient populations in receiving quality care.;Results. Although the literature does not indicate whether there is equity in the delivery and quality of mental health care versus medical health care, there is strong evidence for continued stigmatization of the mentally ill, for the influence of caregiver attitudes towards mental illness on patient perception of quality care, and for similarities among both patient populations in terms of what constitutes quality. The interpersonal relationship tops patient priorities for quality care, which also include concepts of patient-centered care, health care delivered in caring ways, comfortable and safe health care environments, respect, dignity, and individualized treatment.;Conclusion. There is no clear evidence for a disparity between medical and mental health care in the quality of delivered services. Patients in both areas are generally satisfied with the quality of care. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Excellence in quality care will remain at the forefront of health care concerns.;Keywords. quality of care, medical care, mental health, mental illness, stigma, caregiver attitudes.