Determinants of Referral to the Public Health care and Social Sector by Nonprofit Organizations: Clinical Profile and Interorganizational Characteristics

In accordance with current health care and social reforms designed to enhance service efficiency, the nonprofit and voluntary sector is playing a more prominent role in service delivery. Policy makers would benefit from greater information on ways to enhance coordination between the public health care and social sector and nonprofit organizations. This study has for aim to identify variables associated with the referral process from nonprofit organizations to the public health care and social sector. Data are based on a sample of 168 nonprofit mental health organizations in Quebec, Canada. Five variables were found to influence referrals to the public health care and social sector: (a) proportion of consumers with common mental disorders; (b) number of referrals to other nonprofit organizations; (c) referral rates to intersectorial organizations; (d) formal agreements with hospitals; and (e) participation in a mental health care regional roundtable. Implementing diversified strategies to streamline the referral process and enhance interorganizational collaboration is recommended.