A survey of referrers' satisfaction with a regional forensic psychiatric service: what do they want?

Abstract

Aims and MethodThe perceptions and expectations by referrers of assessments performed by a medium secure unit were examined in order to ascertain areas for possible improvement. All referrals to two teams at the North West Thames Regional Secure Unit were monitored over a 6-month period. A self-report questionnaire was sent to each referrer, in cases where an assessment and forensic report had been completed.ResultsAssessments and forensic reports were completed (and questionnaires sent to referrers) in 63% of total referrals (32 out of 51). The response rate to the questionnaire was 81% (26 out of 32). Many referrers wanted the assessments and report to be completed in 2 weeks. Most referrers were satisfied with the quality of the report received and the majority were happy with the risk assessment.Clinical ImplicationsReferrers want forensic assessments to be of a high quality and to be performed quickly. Recommendations for service development are suggested.

Overcoming Barriers in Referral from Schools to Mental Health Services

“…There have been previous calls for widespread surveys of referrer satisfaction,[8] but logistically this has proved difficult to implement compared with consumer satisfaction data. Hence, referrer satisfaction surveys have been restricted to small specialist services,9–11 and have not been used by larger regional services. The spread of web-based technology makes these surveys practical and cost effective, especially through government networks.…”