J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs.  2012 Dec;21(4):333-343.

Preferences in Mental Health Services for Persons with Mental Illnesses: Q-Methodological Approach

• Kim MJ
• Kim SJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify preferences of persons with mental illnesses for mental health services.
METHODS
Q-methodology, an approach designed to discover patterns in various subjective experiences, was used. Twenty-six participants classified 36 selected Q-statements on a nine-point scale to create a normal distribution. The collected data were analyzed using the PC Quanl program.
RESULTS
Four types of preference in mental health services for persons with mental illnesses were identified by the participants: Type I Interaction preference type, Type II Patient right seeking type, Type III Clinical environment preference type, Type IV Treatment outcome seeking type.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study provide an understanding that different types of preference for mental health services exist and each type has certain characteristics, which suggest a need to develop practical mental health practice nursing standards designed for each type of preference for mental health services.

Keyword

Persons with mental illnesses; Mental health services; Patient preference; Q-methodology

MeSH Terms

Humans
Mental Health
Mental Health Services
Patient Preference
Patient Rights
Treatment Outcome