RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Evaluation of a primary care counselling service in Dorset. JF British Journal of General Practice JO Br J Gen Pract FD British Journal of General Practice SP 1049 OP 1053 VO 48 IS 428 A1 R Baker A1 H Allen A1 S Gibson A1 J Newth A1 E Baker YR 1998 UL http://bjgp.org/content/48/428/1049.abstract AB 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.