Readiness for psychological treatment: initiating an appointment following GP referral

Abstract

Much of the research into attendance to psychological services has investigated the predictors after the initiation of an appointment or following prior attendance. The aim of this study was to assess why some patients that are referred for treatment do not make contact for a first appointment. By investigating the factors that result in a patient not contacting it would assist referrers and psychological services to save time and money, to know whether they should be followed up, and to identify ways to support and increase the likelihood that they will contact and attend a service. The Sunshine Coast GP Allied Health Service, established by the Sunshine Coast Division of General Practice and funded by the Commonwealth Government's Better Outcomes in Mental Health Initiative, was chosen for investigation. Patients referred during a three month period were followed up whether they had contacted or not. The Health Behaviour Model and Transtheoretical Model were applied to understanding the internal and external factors that might be involved in predicting contact following referral. This study produced some interesting findings and recommendations have been made for referrers and psychological services.