GPs' views on the content and quality of psychiatrists' clinic letters

Sain, Kallol; Shah, Nirmee; Hasan, Syed Shahzad

doi:10.1002/pnp.223

Cited by 2 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 4 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…All had considered community options as part of their management plans; which included a range of treatment options including GPs, allied health professionals and complementary and alternative treatments [1] [2]. From the registrars' perspectives, the most important aspect of management was clear, effective communication regardless of whether it was between professionals or between professionals and patients, but as this did not always occur; possible changes to processes were discussed [11] [12] [15]- [18].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, while based on the same set of symptoms, there may be differences in the GPs' and psychiatrists' diagnostic decision-making because of the emphasis accorded to different elements of the history [16]. Thus, partnerships in mental health care, particularly between public and private [17] and improved communication between health professionals and health services is extremely important and helps improve the quality of patient care [18].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Difficult-to-Treat-Depression and GPs’ Role: Perceptions of Psychiatry Registrars

Jones¹,

Piterman²

2014

OJPsych

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Introduction: For patients, GPs are the most accessible medical resource in the community and are the gatekeepers to other community resources including psychiatrists. Qualifying as a psychiatrist in Australia involves completing a five-year training program that includes rotations in hospitals and community settings. The aims of this research were to 1) explore psychiatry registrars' perceptions of difficult-to-treat-depression (DTTD) and 2) what they thought about the GPs' role in this regard. Methods: A semi-structured interview schedule comprising six questions was used; 10 psychiatry registrars (6 females, 4 males) participated in a one-and-half-hour focus group. All were in their final year of training and undertaking a training post in a public hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Data were analysed using the Framework Method. Findings: Similar to GPs and GP trainees, psychiatry registrars' perceptions and understanding of DTTD varied. While acknowledging limited experience in diagnosis and management, issues important to them included the utility of labels such as DTTD; patients distressed because of another diagnosis, substance abuse and/or life problems, the importance of accurate histories and notes, cost and limited availability of services particularly in the private sector, prescribing regimens, referring to allied health professionals, and suggesting/prescribing non pharmacological and/or complementary treatment. Also what was of concern was communication, both between health professionals and between health professionals and patients. Consensus was that treating depression in general practice is one of the hardest things for GPs to manage but there was value in using mental health plans. Discussion and Conclusion: While this cohort was small in number with limited experience, this study is the first to contribute to the literature that provides some insight into psychiatry registrars' experiences and perceptions of DTTD. Outcomes may have implications for thepsychiatry training program and GPs who diagnose and manage patients with mental health problems.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Difficult-to-Treat-Depression and GPs’ Role: Perceptions of Psychiatry Registrars

Jones¹,

Piterman²

2014

OJPsych

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Specific issues identified as impacting on referral process included accessibility and communication. Previous research suggests that communication can be improved by utilising formal and informal meetings [12], improving letter writing skills [4] particularly for referrals [7] and utilising networking and interprofessional education which may help these professionals work more effectively in team based care [8] [9] [12].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, many factors may influence the success, or otherwise, of inter-professional/multidisciplinary service provision including the structure of the care delivery pathway, funding models, practice culture, types of information, activities, and services or funding exchanges as well as the relationship governance in terms of accountability, professionalism, autonomy and power [3]. Although issues such as lack of time and inter-professional communication difficulties may arise [4]- [6], health professionals have reported beneficial changes in attitudes and knowledge as a result of experience gained from working with other professionals, understanding their roles and knowledge, communication and administrative systems [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interprofessional Communication and Relationships in the Management of “Difficult to Treat” Depression: Perceptions of the Role of General Practitioners

Jones

Piterman²

2015

OJPsych

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: Team based care is an essential ingredient of chronic disease management including chronic mental illness. Effective health care teams include members who have defined, yet intersecting roles, where mutual respect characterises professional interaction and the patient's wellbeing is central. The aim was to explore the perception of psychologists, psychiatry registrars and psychiatrists with respect to GPs' role in managing difficult-to-treat-depression (DTTD). Methods: A previously developed semi-structured interview schedule comprising six questions was used. Thirty-two health professionals participated. Data were analysed using the Framework method. Findings: Four main themes emerged: 1) The team approach was important, particularly to ensure information accuracy and/or when responding to patient needs and pressures; 2) Referrals, usually generated by GPs can be a vehicle for other health professionals to provide advice to the GP; 3) Availability and accessibility often depended on health professionals work location and knowing how to navigate the system; 4) Limited availability of government funding impacts on patients' accessibility to health professionals. Discussion: Interprofessional relationships were described as paramount. Appropriate and timely referrals are integral to patient management, regardless of challenges. Ongoing challenges include program funding, workforce numbers and costs to patients. Improvement to mental health care access was noted, even for patients among relatively disadvantaged groups and those receiving Medicare Benefits Schedule-subsidised services. Conclusion: Despite adequate GP/specialist communication, the delivery of optimal team based care to patients with difficult-to-treat depression is compromised by lack of access to specialised services and inadequate funding.

show abstract

GPs' views on the content and quality of psychiatrists' clinic letters

Cited by 2 publications

References 4 publications

Difficult-to-Treat-Depression and GPs’ Role: Perceptions of Psychiatry Registrars

Difficult-to-Treat-Depression and GPs’ Role: Perceptions of Psychiatry Registrars

Interprofessional Communication and Relationships in the Management of “Difficult to Treat” Depression: Perceptions of the Role of General Practitioners

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About