Assessment of patients’ subjective experiences is an important approach of qualitative research in mental health care. It also strengthens the patient-centred view on mentally ill people. Here we focus on the admission to a psychiatric hospital.

Subjective experiences of psychiatric admissions were recorded with a semi-structured interview in 72 fairly representative in-patients. Patients’ satisfaction with treatment was recorded with the ZUF-8 questionnaire. Additionally, 52 in-patients on nine wards were interviewed in focus groups.

From the patients’ point of view, the most important aspects of the admission were staff, ward atmosphere and fellow patients. Violence and coercion played only a minor role. In the face-to-face interviews, assessments were generally positive. The results of the patient-satisfaction-questionnaire (ZUF-8) showed a tendency to positive ratings as well. In focus groups, also negative experiences and criticism were reported.

Patient's subjective experiences of an admission to a psychiatric hospital could be well assessed. Future surveys should be conducted anonymously to minimize social desirability bias. Focus groups yield an important extension of individual interviews.