Abstract
Assessment of referrer's needs, patterns and satisfaction ratings with a psychiatric service provides both a clinical and service performance indicator. This study explored referrer satisfaction with a tertiary referral mood disorders unit (MDU). The 147 responders comprised 75 psychiatrists, 59 general practitioners and 13 others. Thirty-two percent of referrers were “very satisfied” and 42%“quite satisfied” with their contact with the unit. Components of satisfaction were defined by piincipal components analysis as“technical competence”; “adequate information and follow-up support” and “access” to the facility, dimensions confirmed by responses to open-ended questions. Differences were established between the referral needs of psychiatrists and general practitioners, suggesting different treatment emphases. Such surveys provide a framework which can facilitate review and restructuring of important service components of any psychiatric facility.