http://repub.eur.nl/res/aut/6158/ List of Publications en http://repub.eur.nl/static-eur/img/logo.png http://repub.eur.nl http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/2831/ 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z Objective: This study seeks to model proposed causal relationships between the quality of psychiatric referral letters, and its indicators, linked to the features of the referred patient, referring physician, and practice setting. Methods: This study was executed at Buraidah Mental Health Hospital, Saudi Arabia, in the year 2000-2002. Data regarding 18 independent variables underlying 3 latent constructs and one dependent variable represented by quality of psychiatric referral letter score (outcome) was derived from patient files, physician training records, and 540 psychiatric referrals. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data for examining proposed causal relationships between the quality of psychiatric referral letters, and its potential predictors. Results: The structural equation modeling analysis revealed a reasonably good fit of the proposed model to the data based on various fit indices. The tested model explained 67% of the variance in the quality of psychiatric referral letters. The referring physician characteristics (experience, education, and psychiatric training) and features of the referral setting (nature of setting and referral letters-administrative information) were highly significant indicators of quality of psychiatric referral letters, which in turn was negatively predicted by patient features including severity of the mental illness. Conclusion: Despite some caveats, the quality of psychiatric referral letters is accurately predicted by 3 latent constructs represented by referring physician skills, nature of the setting, and patient socio-clinical features. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/6863/ 2005-03-10T00:00:00Z This pilot project indeed aims to fulfil an important commitment by the relevant authorities that mental health should be one of the components of the PHC services. The magnitude of mental morbidity among PHC clients is well documented and researched. If this proposed project succeeds in achieving its specific aims and objectives, Al-Qassim Region will be the pioneer in the promotion and integration of mental health into primary health care in Saudi Arabia. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/2832/ 2004-01-01T00:00:00Z Objectives: General practitioners (GPs) often lack sufficient knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses and have unfavorable attitudes towards mental illness. The first aim of this intervention study is to assess the pre-and post-psychiatric training knowledge and attitudes of GPs. The second aim is to explore certain factors, which predict gain in knowledge and changes in attitude. Methods: This study was executed at Buraidah Mental Health Hospital in the year 2003. The research design consisted of a pre- and post-test comparison of GPs responses. The instruments were a Knowledge Test and an Attitude Questionnaire. Results: The psychiatric training had a discernible impact on GPs' knowledge. Though most of their pre-training attitudes were well-known either as positive or negative, certain attitudes were significantly changed post-intervention. Gain in knowledge was significantly predicted by the type of psychiatric help offered by the GPs. Gender and duration of GPs' practice significantly predicted the attitudinal changes. Conclusion: Psychiatric training courses significantly enhance GPs' knowledge together with significant changes in certain attitudes that have vast psychiatric implications including destigmatization, early diagnosis and better treatment of primary care patients with mental disorders.