Collaboration between family physicians and psychologists: what do family physicians know about psychologists' work?
OBJECTIVE
To explore factors affecting collaboration between family physicians and psychologists.


METHODS
Mailed French-language survey.


METHODS
Eastern Ontario.


METHODS
Family physicians practising in the area of the Réseau des services de santé en français de l'Est de l'Ontario.


METHODS
Physicians' knowledge and understanding of the qualifications of psychologists and the regulations governing their profession; beliefs regarding the effectiveness of psychological treatments; views on the integration of psychologists into primary care; and factors affecting referrals to psychologists.


RESULTS
Of 457 surveys sent, 118 were returned and analyzed (27% of surveys delivered). Most family physicians were well aware that there were evidence-based psychological interventions for mental health and personal difficulties, and some knew that psychological interventions could help with physical conditions. Physicians had some knowledge about the qualifications and training of psychologists. Many physicians reported being uncomfortable providing counseling themselves owing to time constraints, the perception that they were inadequately trained for such work, and personal preferences. The largest barrier to referring patients to psychologists was cost, since services were not covered by public health insurance. Some physicians were deterred from referring by previous experience of not receiving feedback on patients from psychologists. Increased access to clinical psychologists through collaborative care was considered a desirable goal for primary health care.


CONCLUSIONS
Family physicians know that there are evidence-based psychological interventions for mental health issues. Psychologists need to communicate better about their credentials and what they can offer, and share their professional opinions and recommendations on referred patients. Physicians would welcome practice-based psychological services and integrated interdisciplinary collaboration as recommended by the Kirby and Romanow commissions, but such collaboration is hampered by the lack of public health insurance coverage.
Grenier
Jean
J
Montfort Hospital, 713 Montreal St, Ottawa ON K1K 0T2. jgrenier@uottawa.ca
Chomienne
Marie-Hélène
MH
Gaboury
Isabelle
I
Ritchie
Pierre
P
Hogg
William
W
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D020793:Gatekeeping; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology*; D024382:Professional Role; D011584:Psychology / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce