The authors compare the results of a study of the practice activities of
psychiatrists conducted in 1979-1980 with one conducted in 1965. Although
office-based practice has remained the core activity of the profession,
psychiatrists in 1979 had a greater tendency to divide their time among
multiple practice sites and activities during the work week. As a
consequence, the percentage of practitioners working part- time in a
variety of organized care settings has increased substantially. These
findings support a view of psychiatry as a profession that is far more
diversified than it was 15 years ago. The authors discuss major factors
affecting trends in psychiatric practice.Abstract Teaser