OBJECTIVE: This study describes the utilization pattern of psychiatric consultation services at the UP-PGH from 1999 - 2008 by reviewing the demographic data of patients referred, describing the Axis I (Clinical Disorders and Other Disorders That May Be a Focus of Clinical Attention) and Axis III (General Medical Conditions) diagnoses of referred patients, and by identifying the sources of, and reasons for the different referrals.
METHODS: Relevant data from the annual census of the Consultation - Liaison (CL) Psychiatry Section from 1999 - 2008 was reviewed according to age, sex, civil status, reasons for referral, DSM-IV TR Multi-axial diagnoses and sources of referrals.
RESULTS: The percentage of referrals to consultation psychiatry has increased from 1.03% in 1999 to 1.77% in 2008. There is equal distribution between males and females. Majority of the consultation referrals were married and belonged to the 21-40 age group. The top five referring services were general medicine, surgery and trauma, obstetrics-gynecology, otorhinolaryngology and orthopaedic departments. The top three reasons for referring patients were mood problems, agitation and restlessness, and suicide attempts/behaviour. Majority of the axis I diagnoses were adjustment disorder, depressive disorders, and psychological reactions to illness. According to Axis III diagnoses, majority of the referrals were associated with poisoning and injury, neoplasms, and endocrine, nutritional, metabolic and immunity disorders.
CONCLUSION: The referral rate to the CL-Psychiatry Section at the UP-PGH has increased throughout the period studied. This may be attributed to programs and activities that improve efficiency in the delivery of psychiatric knowledge and skills, and better personnel supervision. The referral rate of 1.03% to 1.82% was consistent with those in other countries.