Expectations of psychiatrists and general practitioners regarding psychiatric hospitals

Objective. Psychiatrists' and general practitioners' expectations regarding psychiatric hospitals were evaluated using qualitative methodology. Design. A content analysis was carried out of interviews with 27 psychiatrists and 24 general practitioners. The statements were analysed quantitatively to assess their relative importance. Results. Immediate delivery of discharge summaries and continuous patient-related communication were mentioned most frequently. In addition, psychiatrists assigned much importance to therapy referral after completion of inpatient care and to the prescription of less expensive drugs. Nearly half of all statements related to the communication process between local and clinic physicians, a quarter to aspects of referral, and a quarter to quality of inpatient care. Differences between psychiatrists and general practitioners mainly concerned aspects of medical education. Conclusion. Taking into account these findings, more attention should be paid to psychiatrists' and general practitioners' expectations to reduce problems of interaction between clinicians and their colleagues in private practice;this might be helpful to improve the continuity of psychatric care.