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Improving the accuracy of patients' expectations of the psychiatric out-patient consultation

University College London, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Wolfson Building, 48 Riding House Street, London W1N 8AA

Correspondence: ^* Correspondence

Aims and method To investigate the impact of a video to improve the accuracy of patients' expectations of their first out-patient appointment. An intervention study was conducted in which patients watched a video before their appointment. The video provided information about the content of the consultation, the psychiatrist's role and types of treatments.

Results The intervention increased the accuracy of patients' expectations but had no impact on satisfaction or anxiety. The video was popular as a means of preparing patients for the consultation.

Clinical implications This could be offered routinely to patients attending services for the first time.