Improving frequency and content of referral correspondence between general practitioners and psychiatrists: a cross-sectional descriptive study

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BACKGROUND: Written referrals and follow-up correspondence between referring general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists is a medico-legal responsibility and integral part of caring for patients with mental illness. Objective: To describe expectations and practices that GPs and psychiatrists have when exchanging correspondence concerning patients with mental health problems. METHODS: In this observational, declarative, and cross-sectional study, two surveys were used to evaluate the expectations, frequency, and content of correspondence exchanged between GPs and psychiatrists. The questionnaire was based on the National College for the Quality of Psychiatric Care 2010 recommendations. Conducted in a regional setting in France between 2014 and 2016, the study involved 2754 GPs and 575 psychiatrists. RESULTS: Overall, we achieved a positive response rate of 33% (189/575) of psychiatrists and 23% (628/2754) of GPs, which was similar in each local region. Regarding the correspondence from GPs to psychiatrists, 478 (75%) GPs declared having written a referral for an initial consultation and 84 (44%) psychiatrists declared having received a referral. Regarding the correspondence from psychiatrists to GPs, 144 (76%) psychiatrists declared having written at least one letter after the initial consultation or during follow-up and 160 (25%) GPs declared having received return correspondence. The GPs would like to be better informed about psychotherapeutic or long-term management, leave of absence from work, surveillance measures, prognosis, and division of specialist roles. The psychiatrists would like to receive more information about previous medication trialed, the level of willingness the patient has to consult a psychiatrist and any allergies or intolerances to medication. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need to improve the disparity between expected and received correspondence from GPs and psychiatrists concerning patients with mental health problems.

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