Ramin Mojtabai1. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. rm322@columbia.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To examine and compare non-compliance with mental health and other specialty referrals among low-income elderly. METHODS: A survey of 2,128 community-dwelling elderly assessed mental health and other specialty referral in the past year and compliance with these referrals. Non-compliant participants and those who had encountered difficulties in arranging referral appointments were asked about the barriers. RESULTS: 16.7% with mental health referrals vs. 4.8% with other specialty referrals did not comply (p < .001). The main reason for non-compliance with mental health referrals was lack of perceived need. DISCUSSION: Lack of perceived need for professional help is a major barrier to specialty mental health care.
OBJECTIVES: To examine and compare non-compliance with mental health and other specialty referrals among low-income elderly. METHODS: A survey of 2,128 community-dwelling elderly assessed mental health and other specialty referral in the past year and compliance with these referrals. Non-compliant participants and those who had encountered difficulties in arranging referral appointments were asked about the barriers. RESULTS: 16.7% with mental health referrals vs. 4.8% with other specialty referrals did not comply (p < .001). The main reason for non-compliance with mental health referrals was lack of perceived need. DISCUSSION: Lack of perceived need for professional help is a major barrier to specialty mental health care.
Authors: Christel E van Dijk; Judith D de Jong; Robert A Verheij; Tessa Jansen; Joke C Korevaar; Dinny H de Bakker Journal: BMC Fam Pract Date: 2016-02-01 Impact factor: 2.497