Patient profile and service utilization of consultation liaison psychiatry (CLP) service at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Rwanda

Consultation liaison psychiatry (CLP) remains a minimally researched area in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined the profiles of patients referred for psychiatric consultation at the University Teaching Hospital Kigali (CHUK), Rwanda. All adult patients who were referred or consulted for psychiatry evaluation between September to December 2024 were included, and descriptive analysis was conducted. Further in-depth individual interview of non-mental health specialists was employed. A total of 53 adult patients were received from other non-mental health departments. The median age was 38 years (IQR: 27-49), and the patients were predominantly female (n=36, 68%). Internal Medicine was the most frequent source of consultation, accounting for 32.7% (n=17) of referrals. From the outpatient consultation, the most common psychiatric diagnosis was somatic symptom disorder (n=13, 34.2%), followed by major depressive disorder (n=10, 26.3%). Among inpatients, delirium was the most common psychiatric diagnosis (7/15). Most of the patients were managed by either psychotherapy (n=19, 35.8%), or psychotherapy plus psychotropic medication (n=18, 34%). In-depth individual interviews with seven non-mental health specialists revealed general satisfaction with the CLP service of the hospital, with further room to improve the service by continuity of care and integrated communication. The profile of patients referred for CLP service at CHUK closely resembles researches from other Sub-Saharan countries, with predominance of depression and delirium diagnoses. Providing multidisciplinary care for patients with comorbid medical and psychiatric conditions is essential for achieving improved health outcomes. • This study utilized a mixed-methods methodology, integrating quantitative analysis with qualitative in-depth interviews, to investigate the operational profile of a CLP service in low income setting. • The results unequivocally demonstrate the integral function of CLP in delivering comprehensive healthcare, thereby validating its utility across diverse economic settings. • The study elucidated the immense value of daily service delivery and a multidisciplinary patient care model. • The study pragmatically identified site-specific strengths and challenges for health professionals using the service, including key issues like insufficient resources, poor communication, and a lack of clear follow-up guidelines.