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Psychiatric referrals in two general hospitals.
Journal of Postgraduate Medicine
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Psychiatric referrals in Bombay revealed distinct patterns: depressive symptoms were most common, with depression and organic mental disorder as leading diagnoses. KEM Hospital saw more attempted suicides, while Jaslok Hospital referrals were for medical/neurological issues.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Hospital Administration
- Public Health
Background:
- Psychiatric referrals to general hospitals can vary based on hospital type and patient demographics.
- Understanding referral patterns is crucial for resource allocation and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare psychiatric referral patterns between two general hospitals in Bombay: King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEM) and Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre.
- To identify differences in presenting symptoms, diagnoses, and reasons for hospitalization.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study comparing 64 cases from KEM Hospital and 62 cases from Jaslok Hospital.
- Analysis of presenting symptoms, diagnoses, reasons for hospitalization, patient demographics, and hospital stay duration.
Main Results:
- Depressive symptoms were the most common presenting complaints at both hospitals.
- KEM Hospital had more cases of attempted suicide (organophosphorous compounds) and primary psychiatric admissions, with a higher proportion of unemployed patients.
- Jaslok Hospital saw referrals mainly for suspected medical/neurological conditions, with patients from higher economic strata, longer illness duration, and more non-relevant investigations.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in psychiatric referral patterns between KEM and Jaslok Hospitals, reflecting variations in patient populations and hospital functions.
- KEM Hospital serves a population with higher rates of acute psychiatric emergencies and unemployment, while Jaslok Hospital manages more complex cases with co-existing medical/neurological conditions.