[What do general practitioners expect from a psychiatric clinic? Wish for closer cooperation].

OBJECTIVE

In the present study the views of family doctors on what constitutes "ideal" cooperation with a psychiatric hospital were investigated.

METHOD

The views expressed by 24 family doctors and recorded in interviews were analyzed qualitatively with the aim of assessing their importance.

RESULTS

Regular exchange of information between family doctor and psychiatrist, prompt receipt of the discharge report, a named contact person on admission and during hospitalization, competent psychiatric inpatient care, and the possibility of being able to directly refer patients were felt to be the most important points. Almost a half of all the views expressed related to intercommunication.

CONCLUSION

Psychiatric hospitals should give more consideration to the views and wishes of family doctors as a means to resolving possible problems of interaction and to improving the care afforded mentally sick patients.