A CLINICAL AUDIT OF REFERRALS TO THE PSYCHIATRY DEPARTMENT FROM OTHER SPECIALTIES: A STUDY FROM CENTRAL INDIA

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:
Dr. Roshan Chanchlani,
1/6-Idgah Kothi,
Doctor’s Enclave,
Near Filter Plant,
Idgah Hills, Bhopal – 462001, M. P.
E-mail: roshanchanchlani@gmail.com

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: The rate of psychiatric referrals is reported to be high in hospitalized patients in different studies in developing countries. A high prevalence rate of psychiatric disorders is reported among many outpatient departments. For the quality and effectiveness of the various healthcare services, the active role of the psychiatric services in a general hospital cannot be neglected. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pattern of psychiatric referrals from various specialities and to study different psychological conditions affecting physical disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted at Chirayu medical college and hospital over a period of one year. It was a retrospective evaluation based study. There were 215 referrals recorded, inclusive of inpatient referrals only and diagnosis was made based on ICD-10 classification. RESULTS: Among the 215 referrals, age range of the subjects was 5-75 years with a mean age of 47±12 years. The most common reasons for referral were disorientation and altered sensorium (34%) followed by irrelevant talks (32%). The most common psychiatric diagnosis made was delirium (30.6%) followed by psychotic spectrum disorders (11.6%). Department wise referrals were mostly from medical units (40%) followed by surgical units (11%). No psychiatric diagnosis was made in 42 cases (20%). CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and intervention of psychiatric disorders in those having physical illnesses definitely hastens recovery and reduces morbidity and the period of stay at a hospital.

KEYWORDS: Consultation liaison psychiatry, Co-morbidities, Psychiatric referrals.