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Reasons for consultation in the psychiatric out-patient clinic of a university teaching hospital in Nigeria: is this optimal use of psychiatrists' time and expertise?

^*Olayinka Omigbodun Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University College Hospital, P.M.B 5116, Ibadan, Nigeria, Oluyomi Esan Registrar in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

AIMS AND METHOD

To identify activities that can be modified in the psychiatry out-patient clinic in order to improve the quality of services rendered. Consulting doctors obtained information on the reason for consultation and time spent by each patient over a one-month period.

RESULTS

Half of all the patients (50.5%) came for a repeat prescription, and 19.3% came for a repeat prescription and counselling. The mean times spent on these two activities were 5.13 (s.d.=2.5) and 7.81 (s.d.=7.51) minutes, respectively.The time spent on these activities by doctors was 47% of the total clinic time.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Clinic services should be reorganised so that doctors can use their skills in more efficient and creative ways.