The expertise and role of a Certified Public Psychologist as expected by psychiatric mental health nurses (liaison nurses)

Abstract

This report examines the role and challenges of Certified Public Psychologists in general hospitals, focusing on their collaboration with Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses (liaison nurses). Certified public psychologists provide mental health care to patients with physical illnesses and their families, while also supporting medical treatment in cooperation with other healthcare professionals. Their role involves the early identification of psychological issues in patients, incorporating these findings into the treatment plan, and providing mental health support for hospital staff. Through collaboration with liaison nurses, integrated physical and mental care for patients can be achieved, leading to higher quality healthcare. Required skills include understanding physical illnesses by sharing knowledge with liaison nurses and others, responding flexibly without being confined to structured psychotherapy, and crisis intervention without handling issues alone. In the future, certified public psychologists are expected to further demonstrate their expertise as key members of multidisciplinary teams.