A proposal of basic guidelines for training in psychosomatic and liaison psychiatry in Spanish psychiatry training programs

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The Psychosomatic and Liaison Psychiatry is an emerging psychiatric subspecialty. This article is intended to summarize the philosophy supporting training programmes in Spain, and the recommended training guidelines. Methods: Review of the literature and teaching experience. Results: The increasing complexity of diagnosis and treatment, and the demand by patients and providers of resources for higher and more efficient quality of care, make skills training a key tool for achieving these goals. The human being is biology, feelings, thoughts, experiences and thus individuality when sick. Understanding all this is the core on which to base our competencies in this exciting crossroads between psychiatry and other medical specialties. We propose a set of competencies to achieve, and point learning spaces and evaluation mechanisms. Conclusions: Based on accumulated experiences in Spain, and the review of European and international literature, it is possible to summarize a realistic set of norms and directions for training in Psychosomatic and Liaison Psychiatry in residency programmes.