Contribution of psychological reports to patient management

Examined 227 and 113 psychological reports done on 4 psychiatric services for children and adults. The specific referral requests, E.g., intellectual evaluation, diagnostic impression, and personality appraisal, were rated by the referrer regarding the manner in which the reports confirmed previous information or provided new and significant information. About 2/3 of the requested items provided new information or confirmed information previously suspected but not well established. After 2 mo., the referral source was interviewed regarding the effects of the report on patient management and care. 12 actions were categorized. In 52% of the reports some modification was reported of patient management or disposition as a result of the psychological report.