A COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF PSYCHOTHERAPY REFERRALS

This retrospective study examines the effects of a change in policy in the method of offering appointments for assessment to patients referr ed to an out-patient psychotherapy service. It was anticipated that th e new system would reduce the frequency of non-attendance (DNAs) at as sessment interviews, increase the proportion of attenders judged suita ble for psychotherapy and reduce the proportion of early dropouts amon gst those commencing therapy. Results confirmed a reduction in DNAs, b ut suitability for therapy was not enhanced, nor did the rate of early dropouts diminish. With the new system, proportionately fewer referra ls were assessed and fewer commenced therapy, suggesting that it has c reated a barrier to use of the service.