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British Journal of General Practice

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Research Article

Evaluation of a primary care counselling service in Dorset.

R Baker, H Allen, S Gibson, J Newth and E Baker
British Journal of General Practice 1998; 48 (428): 1049-1053.
R Baker
Research and Development Support Unit, Institute of Health and Community Studies, Bournemouth.
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H Allen
Research and Development Support Unit, Institute of Health and Community Studies, Bournemouth.
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S Gibson
Research and Development Support Unit, Institute of Health and Community Studies, Bournemouth.
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J Newth
Research and Development Support Unit, Institute of Health and Community Studies, Bournemouth.
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E Baker
Research and Development Support Unit, Institute of Health and Community Studies, Bournemouth.
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Research into the effectiveness of counselling in primary care is rare. This study attempts to provide a thorough evaluation of the effects of a new counselling service introduced throughout Dorset. AIM: To evaluate the impact of counselling on client symptomatology, self-esteem, and quality of life. The effect of counselling on drug prescribing, referrals to other mental health professionals, and client and general practitioner (GP) satisfaction were also assessed. METHOD: All new clients referred for counselling were asked to complete and return questionnaires before and after counselling. A total of 385 clients took part in the study. The first and second assessments were compared statistically. Clients were ascribed a psychiatric diagnosis using a simplified version of DSM-IIIR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association). GPs' views of the service were determined using a specially designed questionnaire. Drug data were obtained from the Prescription Pricing Authority and referral statistics from Dorset HealthCare National Health Service (NHS) Trust. RESULTS: The number of psychiatric symptoms and their severity were significantly reduced by counselling. There were no significant differences in the prescription of anxiolytic/hypnotic and anti-depressant medication between matched practices with and without counsellors. The presence of a counsellor did not affect the rate of referral to other mental health professionals. Clients and GPs valued the service highly. CONCLUSIONS: The Psychology Managed Counselling Service is an effective method of running a counselling service and is well received by both clients and GPs. Counselled clients improved significantly on several measures.

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British Journal of General Practice: 48 (428)
British Journal of General Practice
Vol. 48, Issue 428
March 1998
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Evaluation of a primary care counselling service in Dorset.
R Baker, H Allen, S Gibson, J Newth, E Baker
British Journal of General Practice 1998; 48 (428): 1049-1053.

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Evaluation of a primary care counselling service in Dorset.
R Baker, H Allen, S Gibson, J Newth, E Baker
British Journal of General Practice 1998; 48 (428): 1049-1053.
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