Psychiatric assessments on medical wards: a guide for general psychiatrists

  • Segal T
  • Ranjith G
1Citations
Citations of this article
24Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Psychiatric assessments on medical wards of a general hospital are complicated by various factors, including the lack of privacy, medical illness-related factors such as cognitive deficits and communication barriers, and the vagueness of the referral question asked. In this article, we try to guide general psychiatrists who do not routinely carry out such assessments through practical steps from receiving the referral to signing off the case. The key differences in the process and content of psychiatric assessments are discussed, as are diagnostic dilemmas. Subtle aspects of communicating the outcome of the assessments to patients and referrers are emphasised with specific guidance on writing consultation notes. We conclude with a discussion of the principles of biopsychosocial management and judging the outcomes of consultations on medical wards.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Segal, T., & Ranjith, G. (2016). Psychiatric assessments on medical wards: a guide for general psychiatrists. BJPsych Advances, 22(1), 8–15. https://doi.org/10.1192/apt.bp.114.013961

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free