Background: In a primary health-care centre (PHCC) situated in a segregated area\nwith low socio-economic status, ââ?¬Ë?primary care triageââ?¬â?¢ has increased efficiency and\naccessibility. In the primary-care triage, the nurse sorts the patient to the appropriate\nPHCC profession according to described symptoms. Aim: The aim of this study was to\nexamine the patientsââ?¬â?¢ experience of being triaged directly to a psychologist for\nassessment. Method: Interviews were conducted with 20 patients and then analysed\nusing qualitative content analysis. Findings: The results show that patients contacting\nthe PHCC for mental health issues often are active agents with their own intent to see\na psychologist, not a doctor, as a first-hand choice when contacting the PHCC. Seeking\nhelp for mental health issues is described as a sensitive issue that demands building\nup strength before contacting. The quick access to the preferred health-care professional\nis appreciated. The nurse was perceived as a caring facilitator rather than a\ndecision maker. It is the patientââ?¬â?¢s wish rather than the symptoms that directs the\nsorting. The patientsââ?¬â?¢ expectations when meeting the psychologist were wide and\ndiverse. The structured assessment sometimes collided and sometimes united with\nthese expectations, yielding different outcome satisfaction. The results could be seen\nin line with the present goal to increase patientsââ?¬â?¢ choice in the health-care system. The\nimproved accessibility to the psychologist seems to meet community expectations.\nThe results also indicate a need for providing more prior information about the\nassessment and potential outcomes.
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