Study of written communication between general practitioners and departments of child psychiatry.

Previous studies have pointed to the general dissatisfaction with written communication between general practitioners and medical specialists, in terms of quality and usefulness to both groups. This study examined the letters of referral from general practitioners to two child psychiatry departments and the replies of the psychiatric staff, and looked at the information exchanged in the light of the needs of both groups. It was concluded that the requirements of both psychiatric staff and general practitioners were being met to a limited extent, but that there was room for improvementon both sides.