Models of liaison psychiatry in different countries and the role of liaison psychiatrists as promotors of public and community mental health

TL;DR

This paper explores different models of liaison psychiatry in Portugal and their role in promoting community mental health.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel model of liaison psychiatry that integrates community mental health promotion.

Findings

Liaison psychiatry in Portugal is delivered by multidisciplinary teams supporting medical wards.

Santa Maria Hospital's model includes community engagement and training for primary care doctors.

The approach aims to extend mental health interventions into the community setting.

Abstract

Consultation-Liaison (CL) psychiatry is the branch of psychiatric practice developed to offer support to patients with concomitant non-psychiatric diseases. In Portugal, most hospitals follow a model delivered by teams with Psychiatrists and Psychologists that support the medical team in wards. They act by advising directly other specialties’ colleagues after the observation of the patient and/or discussion of the case.

Bigger units, such as Santa Maria Hospital, in Lisbon, have tried a model of proximity to the community medical centers participating in local medical meetings, training of family doctors, discussing clinical situations directly and even doing psychiatric consultations, in community centers. This approach intends to extend primary mental health interventions and promote treatment in the community.

None Declared