Structural characteristics of Australasian psychiatric practice

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Health Services Research
• Clinical Practice Analysis

Background:

• The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Quality Assurance Committee developed a questionnaire in 1991.
• The survey aimed to examine structural and basic process characteristics of psychiatric practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the structural and process characteristics of psychiatric practice based on a national survey.
• To provide a descriptive report on the state of psychiatric practice in 1991.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was distributed to all Fellows of the RANZCP in 1991.
• 830 responses were received, representing a 48% response rate.
• A one-in-two sample of the replies was analyzed for this report.

Main Results:

• The analysis focused on descriptive data regarding psychiatric practice.
• Key structural and process elements of practice were identified from the sampled responses.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a snapshot of psychiatric practice characteristics in Australia and New Zealand in 1991.
• This descriptive data serves as a foundation for understanding practice patterns and potential areas for quality improvement.