Role and attitude of companions on geriatric psychiatry outpatient visits in Taiwan

The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the role and attitude of people who accompanied geriatric patients to an outpatient psychiatric clinic. The study was conducted at a large university hospital in Taiwan. Participants included 108 patients aged 65 years and older who were seen for their initial psychiatric visit; 81 patients were accompanied. All accompanying people were interviewed to obtain their assumed role and attitude during the visit. Data were gathered prospectively; statistical analyses were performed using SPSS-PC. Accompanied patients (75% of participants) were older than those in the unaccompanied group. Most patients (53.1%) were accompanied by adult children who lived with them. Of the accompanying spouses, 48% were described as a supporter, and 60% showed a positive attitude. Most of the accompanying children acted as critics and speakers. Accompanying people whose responsible patients reported insomnia and suicide attempts showed a significantly positive attitude, whereas people who accompanied alcoholic patients were more negative and assumed a critic role. Many accompanying people requested further examination and drug treatment and expressed concern that the patient may be mentally ill. The role and attitude of accompanying people on the geriatric patient encounter are important factors in promoting patient-doctor communication and trust.