Table 2 Referrer factors possibly influencing referrals to CLP

Increase CLP referral

1. Internal medicine speciality [33, 40, 52–55]

2. Positive attitude towards CLP [35, 41]

3. Discomfort in competency assessment and management [57]

Decrease CLP referral

1. Young age [33]

2. Stigma [32, 33]

3. Belief that other mental health professionals may do equally well [32]

4. Patient preference [33]

5. Poor rapport with psychiatrist [33]

6. Belief that referrer can manage without psychiatric help [40]

7. Poor recognition of mental illness [33, 42–51, 54]

Unclear influence

1. Different expectation of CLP service delivery [56]