RESUMO
In order to improve the quality of life of the chronically mentally ill patients, their treatment programmes must be individualised to address their multiple disabilities and social impairment. The patient's perception of his quality of life (QoL) can be used as an organising framework for long-term care. Subjects in the study included staff and inpatients from the 10 rehabilitation wards in New Woodbridge Hospital which offers a wide range of rehabilitation activities. Using subjective indices, patient and staff perception of patients' quality of life were compared across several life domains. Significant differences between the 2 groups were noted in areas including living conditions, relationship with others and sense of purpose in life. Most patients found the new hospital a better place in terms of its physical comfort and the medical and psychiatric care received. The implications of these findings for improving existing care for our patients are discussed.