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Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)
Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) 4/2022

Open Access 08-09-2021 | Schizophrenia | Original Article

Cross-sectional analysis of coding, patient characteristics, consultation frequency and pharmacological treatment of adults with severe mental disorders in Irish general practice

Authors: James Larkin, Ivana Pericin, Brian Osborne, Philip Dodd, Claire Collins

Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) | Issue 4/2022

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Abstract

Background

General practitioners are the gatekeepers of Irish healthcare and they offer continuity of care to patients. Irish general practice is therefore considered appropriate for preventing, diagnosing and managing most mental health problems.

Aims

This study sought to establish the coding frequency, consultation frequency, patient characteristics and pharmacological treatment of patients with severe mental disorders (SMDs) in Irish general practice.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was used. A finder tool embedded in the practice software assisted general practitioners (GPs) coding adult patients with SMDs. Eleven practices uploaded anonymous data on 2,203 patients. Variables analysed included disease code, consultations, prescriptions, sex, patient status and age.

Results

Overall, 2.9% (n = 2,337) of patients had ever been coded with a SMD, 2.4% (n = 1,964) coded with depressive disorder ever and 0.26% (n = 209) and 0.3% (n = 233) with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, respectively. Overall, 68.0% (n = 1,336) of patients with depressive disorder were female, and 74.0% (n = 171) of patients with schizophrenia were public patients. The median consultation rate in the previous 3 years was highest for schizophrenia patients at 24.5 visits.

Conclusions

Coding of SMDs in Irish general practice appears incomplete. Patients with SMDs have high consultation rates. Patients with depressive disorder are more likely to be female and public patients. This research suggests that the improvement of coding in Irish general practice is the first practical step required to detecting prevalence rates.
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Metadata
Title
Cross-sectional analysis of coding, patient characteristics, consultation frequency and pharmacological treatment of adults with severe mental disorders in Irish general practice
Authors
James Larkin
Ivana Pericin
Brian Osborne
Philip Dodd
Claire Collins
Publication date
08-09-2021
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Keyword
Schizophrenia
Published in
Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) / Issue 4/2022
Print ISSN: 0021-1265
Electronic ISSN: 1863-4362
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-021-02747-4

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