RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The relationship between primary care and psychiatry: an opportunity for change.
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 527
OP 530
VO 44
IS 388
A1 B G Ferguson
A1 M A Varnam
YR 1994
UL http://bjgp.org/content/44/388/527.abstract
AB The past two decades have seen the development of a symbiotic relationship between primary care and psychiatric services. The changes which have taken place, however, have been piecemeal and variable in their extent. With some exceptions, they have followed an empirical route, and have come about largely because individual practitioners intuitively felt that they yielded positive results or attractive patterns of working. For the most part, they have not followed the elaboration of a specific theory and although a great deal of subsequent research has been carried out in order to analyse their benefits and limitations, routine practice has been slow to change. The recent reorganization of the health service has yet to exert an appreciable effect on the relationship between the two disciplines. Owing to the newly developing structures and patterns of care, future change is inevitable and brings with it both opportunities and dangers. This paper sets out some of the arguments in favour of a new contract between psychiatry and primary care based on an equal partnership.