Pathways to psychiatric care in Harare, Zimbabwe

A study was carried out on the pathways to psychiatric care in Harare, Zimbabwe. Encounter forms were completed on 48 patients admitted to psychiatric beds. Analysis indicated that there was a by-pass of primary care facilities, with a significant number presenting directly to tertiary care facilities, here were lengthy delays before seeking care, but delays while receiving care were moderate. The sample as a whole was composed of major disorders, displaying severe symptoms, and there was a suggestion that some patients become more disturbed along the pathway. As a whole, the sample is very different to samples screened from primary care settings, and the consequences of this are discussed.