Hospital doctors' management of psychological problems - Mayou & Smith revisited.

BACKGROUND

In 1986 the British Journal of Psychiatry published a study of physicians' and surgeons' management of psychological problems, later cited as evidence of barriers limiting liaison psychiatry.

AIMS

To repeat the study after 16 years of liaison psychiatry.

METHOD

Anonymous, confidential questionnaires were distributed to doctors at St George's Hospital, London, replicating the original study.

RESULTS

Most of the 225 respondents believed that psychological factors could influence physical prognosis and should be routinely assessed, with greater sense of responsibility for overdoses and dying patients. Most respondents found emotional assessment impractical. Although 78% wanted more psychiatric input, referrals were avoided because of 'stigmatisation'. Men were more likely than women to hold pejorative views, but outcomes no longer varied with seniority or specialty.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with 1986, hospital doctors appear more aware of the psychological needs of patients.