Monitoring referrals to mental health services.
The referral of patients with dementia from primary care professionals to specialist mental health services can fluctuate markedly. This article examines referrals to a mental health service for older people and the role of an education facilitator in primary care. Evaluation and analysis of the data collected from a single point of referral highlight possible delays in referrals by primary care professionals, failure to recognise mental health needs in older people or a tendency to refer initially to medical services instead of specialist mental health services. The education facilitator provides information about specialist services, identifies delays in referral and improves diagnostic accuracy.
Older Persons Services, Glanrhyd Hospital, Bridgend.
Hywel
H
Thomas
D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D018579:Patient Selection; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014852:Wales