To understand how to improve collaboration between psychiatrists and family physicians in primary care settings.
Qualitative study using 10 in-depth interviews and a focus group session.
Catchment area in eastern Montreal, Que.
Five FPs and five psychiatrists.
Ten interviews and a focus group were conducted to identify ways of improving collaboration between FPs and psychiatrists. All session were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Analysts used Atlas.ti to compare findings vertically and horizontally.
Three strategies were identified: communication, continuing medical education (CME) for FPs, and access to consulting psychiatrists. The first two can be implemented by FPs and psychiatrists together, but psychiatrists thought the last one was not feasible due to lack of both time and remuneration for such activity.
Better communication and CME for FPs in psychiatry can help improve collaboration between FPs and psychiatrists. Increased access to consulting psychiatrists requires substantial alteration in established clinical roles and routines.
Notes
Cites: Br Med J. 1974 Mar 16;1(5906):505-74817165
Cites: J Fam Pract. 1999 Mar;48(3):180-710086760
Cites: Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1981 Jan 31;282(6261):375-76780033
Cites: Can J Psychiatry. 1987 Apr;32(3):170-43567831
Cites: Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 1987 Mar;9(2):102-103569884
Cites: Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 1988 Nov;10(6):431-73203884
Cites: BMJ. 1989 Jul 22;299(6693):238-402504381
Cites: Med J Aust. 1992 Mar 16;156(6):379-821545744
Cites: Can J Psychiatry. 1992 Feb;37(1):2-61551041
Cites: Am J Psychiatry. 1992 Nov;149(11):1499-5051357992
Cites: Can J Psychiatry. 1993 Mar;38(2):79-828467447