Liaison Psychiatry model intervention in Switzerland

TL;DR

This paper describes the development and current state of liaison psychiatry services in Switzerland, highlighting differences in service availability and funding challenges.

Contribution

The paper provides an overview of the historical development and current status of C-L psychiatry in Switzerland, emphasizing the importance of subspecialization and training.

Findings

C-L psychiatry services in Switzerland vary significantly in scope and availability depending on the region and hospital size.

Funding remains a critical and unresolved issue affecting the sustainability and development of C-L psychiatry services.

The introduction of subspecialization and ongoing training has improved the quality of C-L psychiatry services.

Abstract

Consultation and liaison psychiatry (C-L psychiatry) in Switzerland can look back on a long tradition. It began in French-speaking Switzerland back in the 1960s and gradually spread throughout the country. Currently, C-L services are present throughout the country, although they differ greatly in terms of their services and dimensions. University hospitals and larger cantonal hospitals have extensive and differentiated services, while smaller hospitals in peripheral regions only offer basic services. There are also major differences in the financing models, which are decisive for the range of services offered. The question of funding, which has not yet been resolved satisfactorily despite various models and strategies, including at national level, is highly relevant for the further development and even the continued existence of C-L services. The introduction of the subspecialization in C-L psychiatry in 2010 and the lively training and CPD activities are of great importance for quality of the delivered services.

None Declared