REVIEWS   

Minerva Psichiatrica 2000 March;41(1):25-40

Copyright © 2000 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Keys and commandaments for an effective psychiatric consultation. A review and integration

Gabrielli F., Repetti F.

Estabilishment of psychiatric consultation services for medically ill patients in the General Hospital and Primary Care is required on the basis of the relevant frequency of psychiatric disorders in both these areas and of underrecognition of these disorders by non psychiatric physicians. Psychiatric consultation through a collaborative work between consultant and consultee has powerful effects on shortening of hospital stay, improving quality of life of severely ill patients, reducing rate of alcohol and drug abuse related complications. Collaborative work with medical collagues has also the aim of improving the image of Psychiatry and leading in the direction of human remedicalization. A review and augmentation of ''commandements'' reported in the literature are offered for an effective consultation: determine the question being asked, estabilish urgency, gather primary data, communicate briefly, make specific recommendations and contingency plans, understand own role in the process, offer education, improve communication, provide follow-up.