Consultation frequency and perceived consultation time in a Japanese psychiatric clinic: their relationship with patient consultation satisfaction and depression and anxiety.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship of the consultation frequency and the perceived consultation time of psychiatric clinic attenders with their satisfaction towards the consultation and depression and anxiety (measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).


METHODS
Questionnaires were distributed to 186 outpatients attending a psychiatric clinic.


RESULTS
In a path analytic model, a longer session with shorter interval ('dense' session) predicted lowered depression and anxiety level of the patientsthrough the perceived satisfaction of the patients, and it was also predicted by the higher anxiety level. The dense session was also influenced by shorter duration of clinic attendance.


CONCLUSIONS
Dense psychiatric sessions in busy Japanese outpatient clinics may benefit patients.
Igarashi
Hiromi
H
Department of Clinical Behavioral Sciences (Psychological Medicine), Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan.
Kitamura
Toshinori
T
Ohuchi
Kiyoshi
K
Mitoma
Hiroshi
H
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D003142:Communication; D003469:Culture; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013998:Time Perception; D014600:Utilization Review