I. A profile of attenders at psychiatric outpatient clinics in Ireland's Eastern Health Board Region

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the profile of attenders at psychiatric outpatient clinics in community health centres in Dublin, Method: A chart review was undertaken retrospectively on attenders at two c linics in different socioeconomic areas. Demographic data and information o n services was recorded. Psychiatric outpatient clinic functioning in a com munity setting was observed during the period of the study. Results: The findings of this study suggest that attenders at psychiatric O PD clinics are more likely to be long-term, in the 40-50 year age group, fe male, unemployed and eligible for free medical care within the General Medi cal Services (GMS). Mood (affective) disorders was the largest diagnostic c ategory, There were financial barriers to patient discharge to primary care and shared care with general practitioners. Conclusions: Opportunities have been identified to improve communication an d optimise patient now through the psychiatric OPD system, Such improvement s in clinic function would be likely to lead to enhanced health gain for at tenders.