RCP Medicine Podcast Episode 15: Liaising With a Psychiatrist
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Jul 26, 2019 In this engaging discussion, Rebecca Chubb, a consultant psychiatrist specializing in old age and liaison psychiatry, dives into the intricate world of mental health in acute care. She explores the vital interplay between mental and physical health, highlighting the complexities of mental health referrals and the importance of effective communication among medical teams. Chubb also emphasizes the significance of holistic patient care, focusing on risk assessments during emergencies and the necessity of non-pharmacological approaches to manage challenging behaviors.
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Effective Psychiatric Referrals
- When referring to psychiatry, clarify the question you need answered and the patient's medical fitness.
- Ensure the patient is alert and sober enough for a mental state exam to get accurate psychiatric assessment.
Timing Is Key in Risk Assessment
- Psychiatric risk assessment changes over time, especially during intoxication or medical treatment.
- Seeing patients when sober and medically stable provides a more accurate risk evaluation before discharge.
Comprehensive Risk Assessment Tips
- Use a detailed history including previous risky behaviors, demographics, and social support to assess psychiatric risk.
- Accept that risk prediction is imperfect and cannot guarantee identifying future suicides.