CLINICAL-PRACTICE ISSUES IN CONSULTATION-LIAISON PSYCHIATRY

Objective: To overview and highlight the issues currently challenging and confronting consultation-liaison (C-L) psychiatry and to present t hem for discussion in a wider forum. Method: Following preliminary dis cussions, the authors (members of the New South Wales C-L Interest Gro up) undertook to selectively review a number of issues relevant to C-L psychiatry, A preliminary paper was prepared and then presented to th e membership of the interest group. Feedback from this meeting was inc orporated into the final version of the paper. Results: Issues selecte d as a nidus for further discussion include economic issues, changing models of C-L practice, service issues as well as ethical issues, In a ddition, recognition of C-L psychiatry as a true subspeciality is fore shadowed. Conclusion: This paper highlights some of the challenges for C-L psychiatry both now and in the future, Intuitive beliefs in our e fficacy will not suffice in this era of economic rationalisation. Disc iplined and focused research substantiating our value is imperative, S ubspecialty recognition is likely to ensure uniformity of standards as well as providing the structure and direction required to consolidate C-L psychiatry's future.