D C White1, B D Kelly, P Casey. 1. Department of Adult Psychiatry, University College Dublin, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Ireland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Physical and mental illness present substantial challenges to college students and authorities. AIMS: (1) To characterize medical and psychiatric reasons underlying requests for fees waivers at an Irish third-level college; (2) to identify information included in applications; and (3) to develop proposals for standardizing applications. METHODS: We examined all applications for exemption from fees for medical or psychiatric reasons over two academic years at an Irish third-level college. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-two students applied for exemptions; 91% were successful. Psychiatric problems were more common than physical illness (64.1 vs. 27.9%). There was wide variation in details provided in applications with few providing details on likely ongoing duration of illness (5.0%). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that (a) a structured medical application form be completed by medical practitioners supporting applications; (b) a medical practitioner review applications; and (c) there should be annual re-audit of this process.
BACKGROUND: Physical and mental illness present substantial challenges to college students and authorities. AIMS: (1) To characterize medical and psychiatric reasons underlying requests for fees waivers at an Irish third-level college; (2) to identify information included in applications; and (3) to develop proposals for standardizing applications. METHODS: We examined all applications for exemption from fees for medical or psychiatric reasons over two academic years at an Irish third-level college. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-two students applied for exemptions; 91% were successful. Psychiatric problems were more common than physical illness (64.1 vs. 27.9%). There was wide variation in details provided in applications with few providing details on likely ongoing duration of illness (5.0%). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that (a) a structured medical application form be completed by medical practitioners supporting applications; (b) a medical practitioner review applications; and (c) there should be annual re-audit of this process.
Authors: Abiodun O Adewuya; Bola A Ola; Olutayo O Aloba; Boladale M Mapayi; Olaleye O Oginni Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2006-05-05 Impact factor: 4.328