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What the doctor ordered? Referrer satisfaction with a mood disorders unit
1Mood Disorders Unit, Prince Henry Hospital, Little Bay, Sydney, New South Wales.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Referrer satisfaction with psychiatric services is key for performance. This study found high satisfaction with a mood disorders unit, driven by technical competence, information, and access.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Mental Health Services Research
Background:
- Assessing referrer needs and satisfaction is crucial for evaluating psychiatric service performance.
- A tertiary referral mood disorders unit (MDU) is a specialized service requiring evaluation of user experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore referrer satisfaction with a tertiary referral mood disorders unit (MDU).
- To identify key components contributing to referrer satisfaction.
- To understand differences in referral needs between psychiatrists and general practitioners.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to referrers (psychiatrists, general practitioners, others) contacting the MDU.
- Principal components analysis was used to identify dimensions of satisfaction.
- Open-ended questions provided qualitative data to confirm findings.
Main Results:
- 147 referrers participated, with 32% "very satisfied" and 42% "quite satisfied".
- Key satisfaction components identified were "technical competence", "adequate information and follow-up support", and "access".
- Distinct referral needs were observed between psychiatrists and general practitioners, indicating varied treatment emphases.
Conclusions:
- Referrer satisfaction surveys offer a valuable framework for assessing and improving psychiatric services.
- Understanding specific components of satisfaction allows for targeted service enhancements.
- Recognizing differences in referrer needs can optimize referral pathways and resource allocation.