Implementing a Psychology Consultation Model on an Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital Unit.

Integrated treatment teams are necessary to manage acute patient needs in an inpatient psychiatric hospital unit (IPHU). Teams often include psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers. Some IPHUs also include psychologists who may provide a range of activities that include providing therapy and testing, milieu management, treatment planning, and staff training, depending on the needs of the IPHU. Psychologists’ diverse skillsets and ability to adapt to fluid needs may in fact contribute to an inconsistent role definition on IPHUs. The current study, conducted on an 18-bed child and adolescent IPHU at a Midwestern tertiary medical center, sought to understand: (a) treatment team perceptions of the role of psychology; (b) stakeholder feedback on best ways to engage psychological services; and (c) stakeholder feedback on the implementation of eight-hour weekly psychology consultation service; and satisfaction with a weekly caregiver group for parents/guardians of inpatient youth. Fifty-two providers (i.e., registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, licensed clinical social workers, and psychiatrists) completed a survey regarding the role of and satisfaction with psychology on the IPHU , as well as satisfaction with the weekly caregiver group. The results suggest overall positive outcomes for an eight-hour IPHU psychology consultation model, with 17% of staff satisfied, 56% highly satisfied, and 27% extremely satisfied. Results showed mixed satisfaction with the amount of psychology time spent with the treatment team; 42% of staff reported overall satisfaction, while 38% reported overall dissatisfaction.