Psychiatric Bulletin (1998) 22: 435-437. doi: 10.1192/pb.22.7.435
© 1998 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Attendance at child psychiatric clinics
A. Ubeysekara, Consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry* and
N. Cox, Social Worker
Brynffynnon Child and Family Centre, Merthyr Road, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan CF37 4DD
* Correspondence
A study of 41 families who failed to attend their first appointment at a child psychiatric clinic is described. The study was prospective over a period of one year and the families were interviewed personally; 14.9% failed their first appointment. Improvement of the child's symptoms during the waiting period, anxiety about seeing a psychiatrist/social worker, financial difficulties and the invitation to the family to attend were common reasons given for non-attendance. Another important factor was that families were ill-prepared by the referrers.
Copyright © 1998 The Royal College of Psychiatrists.