Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-94fs2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-04T21:20:46.455Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Factors influencing general practitioner referral to a child psychiatric service

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Ramalingam N Chithiramohan
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2QZ, England
Clive G Ballard
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry
Mark A Baxter
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham
Sumithra Handy
Affiliation:
Charles Burns Clinic, Moseley, Birmingham
Lawrence McGibben
Affiliation:
Child & Family Service, Eastbourne
Raza Silveira
Affiliation:
Gulson Hospital, Coventry

Abstract

Objective: To investigate factors influencing general practitioner referrals of children with psychiatric disorders to specialist services. Method: One hundred and sixty seven general practitioners were asked to complete a detailed questionnaire concerning their referral practices. Results: Emotional disorder, conduct disorder, drug abuse and habit disorder were the problems most likely to be referred to the child psychiatric clinic. Parental concern and the severity of the child's illness were considered to be more important than social circumstances in determining referral to specialist services. Conclusions: Many general practitioners indicated that they would have referred children with psychiatric disorders to specialist services other than child psychiatry. Proactive liaison work is needed to increase the awareness and confidence of general practitioners in child psychiatric services.

Type
Original Papers
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Garralda, ME, Bailey, D. Children with psychiatric disorders in primary care. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 1986; 27: 611–24.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
2.Gater, R, Goldberg, D. Pathways to psychiatric care in South Manchester. Br J Psychiatry 1991; 159: 90–6.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
3.Bailey, D, Garralda, ME. Referral to child psychiatry: parent and doctor motives and expectations. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 1989; 30: 449–58.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
4.Gath, D. Child guidance and the general practitioner. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 1968; 9: 213–27.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
5.Rawnsley, B, London, JB. Factors influencing the referral of patients to psychiatrists by general practitioners. British Journal of Preventive and Social Medicine 1962; 16: 174–82.Google ScholarPubMed
6.Kirwin, JR, Chaput de Saintonge, DM, Joyce, CRB, Currey, HLF. Clinical judgement in rheumatoid arthritis: II. Judging “current disease activity” in clinical practice. In: Arkes, HR, Hammond, KR, editors. Judgement and decision making. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1986.Google Scholar
7.Rutter, M, Yule, B, Quinton, W, Berger, M. Attainment and adjustment in geopraphical areas: III. Some factors accounting for area differences. Br J Psychiatry 1975; 126: 520–33.CrossRefGoogle Scholar