Outcomes of information provision to callers to a psychiatric medication helpline

This study questioned 123 callers over the phone and asked them: the reason for contacting a psychiatric mediation helpline; frequency of self referral to a healthcare professional; action taken after receiving the information; and satisfaction with service and quality of information received. Nearly half the callers reported changes to their medication after consulting the helpline, with the majority receiving reassurance, referral, review and monitoring. Almost half contacted a healthcare professional afterwards. The quality of information and service provided was reported as very high. Study limitations and implications are discussed, saying that development of helplines with more specific aims and more measurable outcomes should be considered.