Hospital doctors' management of psychological problems - Mayou & Smith revisited.
BACKGROUND
In 1986 the British Journal of Psychiatry published a study of physicians' and surgeons' management of psychological problems, later cited as evidence of barriers limiting liaison psychiatry.


OBJECTIVE
To repeat the study after 16 years of liaison psychiatry.


METHODS
Anonymous, confidential questionnaires were distributed to doctors at St George's Hospital, London, replicating the original study.


RESULTS
Most of the 225 respondents believed that psychological factors could influence physical prognosis and should be routinely assessed, with greater sense of responsibility for overdoses and dying patients. Most respondents found emotional assessment impractical. Although 78% wanted more psychiatric input, referrals were avoided because of 'stigmatisation'. Men were more likely than women to hold pejorative views, but outcomes no longer varied with seniority or specialty.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with 1986, hospital doctors appear more aware of the psychological needs of patients.
Morgan
John F
JF
St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK. jmorgan@sghms.ac.uk
Killoughery
Maura
M
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012737:Sex Factors; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires