[Patient countersigned referral letters in schizophrenic disorders].
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to discuss referral letters with psychotic patients and to assess patients views about this proceeding and about the letters. Also patients knowledge of their diagnosis was assessed.


METHODS
The day after discussing the letter 80 patients were evaluated with a short questionnaire.


RESULTS
92 % of patients responded very positively to the discussion of the referral letter. Many patients appreciated the transparency and information and stated, that it improved the understanding of the illness and the doctor-patient-relationship. The day of hospital discharge 96 % of patients were able to name the exact diagnosis or an adequate replacement.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results show, that the majority of psychotic patients - in contrast to previous experiences - responded very favourably to the referral letters, probably because they not only received the letter but also discussed the letter with their doctor and had the opportunity to correct false details before discharge. The encouragement of communication, the acceptance of patients as equal partners and the improvement of information, empower patients as active partners in care, which improves the course of the disease. Therefore patients should have the possibility to discuss the referral letter with their doctor.
Sibitz
Ingrid
I
Klinische Abteilung für Sozialpsychiatrie und Evaluationsforschung, Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie, Wien/Osterreich, Germany. Ingrid.Sibitz@akh-wien.ac.at
Ossege
Michael
M
Strobl
Rainer
R
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D015709:Correspondence as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010351:Patient Discharge; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012803:Sick Role