Clinical Practice Issues in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry

Abstract

Objective: To overview and highlight the issues currently challenging and confronting consultation-liaison (C-L) psychiatry and to present them for discussion in a wider forum. Method: Following preliminary discussions, the authors (members of the New South Wales C-L Interest Group) undertook to selectively review a number of issues relevant to C-L psychiatry. A preliminary paper was prepared and then presented to the membership of the interest group. Feedback from this meeting was incorporated into the final version of the paper. Results: Issues selected as a nidus for further discussion include economic issues, changing models of C–L practice, service issues as well as ethical issues. In addition, recognition of C–L psychiatry as a true subspeciality is foreshadowed. Conclusion: This paper highlights some of the challenges for C–L psychiatry both now and in the future. Intuitive beliefs in our efficacy will not suffice in this era of economic rationalisation. Disciplined and focused research substantiating our value is imperative. Subspecialty recognition is likely to ensure uniformity of standards as well as providing the structure and direction required to consolidate C–L psychiatry's future.