Job satisfaction in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric wards

Abstract

This article is based on research that was conducted within a psychiatric organisation in Northern Finland. The objectives consist of outpatient and inpatient personnel within mental health. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. A KIVA questionnaire was analysed by using the SPSS program. The qualitative material consisted of interviews which were analysed according to principles of Grounded Theory. The program Atlas ti. 6.2 was used for the analysis. It seems obvious that working conditions within inpatient care are more difficult than in outpatient care. In three of seven questions on the KIVA questionnaire, three questions had significant differences. The personnel within outpatient care experience more joy coming to work and experience their work more meaningfully. They also experience their superiors acting as superiors.

Working in outpatient care includes more autonomy for individuals since the influence of traditions is not so strong. Personnel working within outpatient care do not experience organizational changes as difficult as personnel at inpatient care.