title: Gastroenterologists' perceptions of need and availability of psychiatric services for patients with hepatitis C.
abstract: The authors examined gastroenterologists' perceptions of psychiatric comorbidity in hepatitis C, access to, and use of psychiatric services. An eight-item survey was mailed to gastroenterologists, with a total of 75 participating. Fifty-eight (77.3%) agreed with the statement "My patients with hepatitis C have significant rates of psychiatric and substance-abuse comorbidity." Less than half (41%) agreed or strongly agreed that "My patients with hepatitis C have adequate access to psychiatric consultation." However, only eight (11%) referred to a mental health provider. Gastroenterologists are aware of the need for psychiatric services for their hepatitis C patients, but few refer for it, and access may be limited.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Tulsa, OK 74135-2512, USA. ondria-gleason@ouhsc.edu
authors: Ondria
authors: O
authors: Gleason
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Fucci
authors: William
authors: W
authors: Yates
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D015897:Comorbidity; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D005762:Gastroenterology; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D009825:Oklahoma; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011570:Psychiatry; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology