What do GPs want from a psychiatrist's letter?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the preferences of general practitioners (GPs) in reply letters for patients referred for a one-off psychiatric assessment.


METHODS
A sample of GPs referring to a primary mental health team service were mailed a questionnaire inquiring into the usefulness of 21 different letter items.


RESULTS
The response rate was 51%. Many of the items in our routine reply letters were rated highly, but others such as developmental history, supplementary information and a comprehensive report were not. Sending a copy of the letter to the patient was rated as useful by only 42.5%.


CONCLUSIONS
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' guidelines for reply letters are endorsed. There are, however, some additional items that GPs may find useful.
Selzer
Rob
R
School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Monash University, The Alfred, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. r.selzer@alfred.org.au
Foley
Fiona
F
Ellen
Steve
S
McGartland
Michael
M
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards*