Liaison psychiatry for the 21st century: a review

The development of liaison psychiatry services over the last 20 years is briefly reviewed--sophisticated liaison services have been confined to teaching hospitals. Limited manpower and other resources have prevented the development of liaison services in most district general hospitals; further developments are unlikely unless these deficiencies are corrected and psychiatrists take a more active role in developing links with physicians and surgeons. The time is right for such development as physicians are keen to extend our understanding of psychological and social factors in causing non-organic disorders, reduce unnecessary investigations and provide more comprehensive care. Increased collaboration between physicians and psychiatrists will provide a better service for many patients and this should be extended to all district general hospitals.