Table 3 Examples of patient’s comments in preference of the traditional model
From: Survey of patients' view on functional split of consultant psychiatrists
• | ‘I would prefer to see the same consultant in hospital, as I trust her already and would find it hard to build the same level of trust with someone else’ |
• | ‘Continuity of care- New consultant may not read all information or interpret it differently’ |
• | ‘A relationship of trust with your own consultant takes time to build and could never be done with a stranger that you meet now and again’ |
• | ‘I’d prefer the above mainly for comfort and familiarity. I’ve shared my condition and stories enough times; having to repeat everything is pointless and counterproductive. It feels like an exercise in futility’ |
• | ‘Continuity of care. I feel it would be best for me to have my care managed by someone who is familiar with me and can compare my symptoms with when I am well’ |
• | ‘Over the past 5 years, I have had annual review as an outpatient and have seen a few different psychiatrists each time. I would prefer to be seen by one psychiatrist and also if admitted to hospital to see the same one’ |
• | ‘Seeing the same doctor means you do not have to repeat your illness every time as this can be upsetting’ |
• | ‘On one hand having the same consultant might give a sense of security. On the other hand, a different consultant having slightly different experiences, may also be a good thing-My personal view is that I would rather choose to have the same consultant’ |