Patients' views of the letters their psychiatrists and psychologists send to referrers

Abstract

Background: Copying to patients the letters sent between health professionals is an increasing trend and in the UK National Health Service has become a national requirement.

Aims: To explore patients' immediate reactions to, and views of, the routine clinical assessment letters that their psychiatrists and psychologists send to their referring general practitioner (GP).

Methods: Thirty-two outpatients, most with depression or anxiety disorders, were interviewed and asked their views of the letter sent by their psychiatrist or psychologist to their GP.

Results: Patients were generally satisfied with their letters. The letters were considered accurate, clear and comprehensive. Drugs, sex and unfavourable history about family members were identified as sensitive areas. Realizing their psychiatrist or psychologist had understood and taken on board their problems, better understanding of their problems, feeling greater involvement in their care, being able to correct misunderstandings, and being able to show significant others the letter, were common reported benefits.

Conclusions: The results suggest that outpatients with non-psychotic disorders will find few problems with reading their standard assessment letters and some will find it beneficial.

• Client records
• client participation
• client satisfaction
• client rights
• mental health