The actual status of the consultation liaison practical training program of the psychological internship system and its related issues

Abstract

While education and training for those working in the psychology department at general hospitals and the field of physical care are improving, development of those in the psychology profession is an urgent issue. At our hospital, we are continuing with the psychological internship system which emphasizes consultation liaison practice (CL), and we have examined how a practical program in this field should be based on the changes of this system. In conducting the program, the CL core competencies are (1) multifaceted understanding, (2) dynamic understanding and ability to cooperate and (3) the ability to communicate with patients who have difficulty communicating. At least 480 hours are required to acquire these abilities, and while it was possible to obtain multifaceted understanding and communication ability through the practical program, further time and experience were needed for cooperative ability. In conducting the practical program, it is necessary to note the complexity of the structure unique to CL and its risk management. In the future, while assuring the quality of instructors will become an issue, it is hoped that the practical program will lead to the development of staff who become an immediate asset to the workplace.