Child Psychiatrists' Characteristics, Communication, and Competence as Described by Pediatricians in a National Survey

Abstract

A nationwide survey of pediatricians was undertaken to evaluate pediatricians' attitudes and utilization patterns regarding child psychiatrists. The responses of 1,089 pediatricians (69% of those surveyed) to open-ended questions in the survey are described. A wide variety of strongly-held beliefs concerning child psychiatrists' usefulness as collaborators and consultants in training and in clinical practice are identified. The implications of these findings for both medical specialities are discussed.