Characterization of the population served in a psychology ambulatory of a hospital-school

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to characterize the population attended in the outpatient clinic of a Psychology Service of a school hospital during a year of institutional activities. This outpatient clinic has functional characteristics similar to those of a clinical psychology clinic. To characterize this clientele, the medical records of the patients served by the service were analyzed. The sample consisted of 843 users. The results indicated the prevalence of the following profiles: 73 children and adolescents, female (59.2%), 11 years (on average), 69.4% with elementary school,who were evaluated by psychology and with anxiety/depression; 770 adults, aged 37.2 years (average), female (60.5%), married (59.6%), with incomplete primary education, evaluated by psychology to perform medical contraceptive procedures. The data obtained were discussed with the team of psychologists of the service and some guidelines were suggested to improve customer service.