Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
What do GPs want from a psychiatrist's letter?
Rob Selzer1, Fiona Foley, Steve Ellen
1School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Monash University, The Alfred, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. r.selzer@alfred.org.au
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the preferences of general practitioners (GPs) in reply letters for patients referred for a one-off psychiatric assessment.
Method:
A sample of GPs referring to a primary mental health team service were mailed a questionnaire inquiring into the usefulness of 21 different letter items.
Results:
The response rate was 51%. Many of the items in our routine reply letters were rated highly, but others such as developmental history, supplementary information and a comprehensive report were not. Sending a copy of the letter to the patient was rated as useful by only 42.5%.
Conclusions:
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' guidelines for reply letters are endorsed. There are, however, some additional items that GPs may find useful.
Related Concept Videos
Field Application of Global Positioning System
Design Example: Identifying the Locations of Monuments in the Field Using Global Positioning System Device
Introduction to Global Positioning System
Errors in Global Positioning System
Types of Global Positioning System Surveys
Psychosurgery
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...