Gastroenterologists' perceptions of need and availability of psychiatric services for patients with hepatitis C.
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.
Gleason
Ondria
O
Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Tulsa, OK 74135-2512, USA. ondria-gleason@ouhsc.edu
Fucci
John
J
Yates
William
W
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