Survey of the utilization of psychiatrists and psychologists for hospitalized children

Although interest by psychiatrists and psychologists in consultation to pediatric settings has increased in the past few years, little is known about how frequently they have been involved in providing psychosocial services to hospitalized children. The authors distributed a 20-item questionnaire to 136 pediatricians and 12 head nurses, representing 22 hospitals throughout Washington State. The questionnaire was designed to assess the disciplines involved in providing psychosocial care, the availability of various personnel, teaching functions, funding of services, and perceived need for further services. The results showed that psychiatrists and psychologists were utilized least often in all settings. Respondents from 68% of the hospitals represented specifically requested more services from psychiatrists and psychologists trained in pediatric issues. The authors discuss possible reasons behind the underutilization of psychiatrists and psychologists.