A study of liaison psychiatry referrals in a Zambian Teaching Hospital
Journal Title: Journal of Medical Science and Technology - Year 2016, Vol 5, Issue 1
Abstract
Aim of our study was to assess the referrals to the Department of Psychiatry in the University Teaching Hospital Zambia (UTH) and to suggest improvements that will improve the efficiency of the liaison psychiatry service. All referrals to psychiatry over a period of five months at UTH were reviewed and assessed. The literature pertaining to the topic was reviewed. A total of 86 referrals were made to the Department of Psychiatry over the five-month period. The highest rate of referrals came from internal medicine (52.3%) followed by surgery (18.5%). 3.5% were from obstetrics/gynaecology and 2.3% from paediatrics. Psychosis and substance misuse were the commonest reasons for referral. Only about a third of the referrals indicated the urgency of the referral or showed the diagnosis made by the Consultant Psychiatrist. Most of the referrals seem to have been made appropriately to psychiatry, which is encouraging. However, improvements can be achieved. It should firstly be ensured that all sections of the referral form are fully completed. Secondly, the referral form can be re-designed to provide more details. Thirdly, the information in the forms should be accessible separately and within case notes. Also, considering the number of alcohol withdrawal cases, a hospital-wide protocol should be considered so that acute alcohol withdrawal need not be routinely referred for psychiatric assessment.
Authors and Affiliations
Tanuja Dave, Ravi Paul
Keywords
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