[The psychologist in a somatic department]

A psychologist in a somatic department cannot replace the psychiatrist consultant and cannot take the responsibility for the further fate of any patient; he can, however, be useful in many other ways. The psychologist should be indispensible in the diagnostic process, similarly as the X-ray department or laboratory, he should be also consulted when the therapeutic strategy is elaborated. The psychologist can directly interfere with treatment, if he knows the necessary psychotherapeutic technique; the psychologist can effectively help the patients with adaptation to the disease and hospital environment, he can accompany the patient in more complicated situations which arise in conjunction with his disease and act as a mediator between the patient and health personnel. The psychologist should be invited to resolve more complicated problems in the department, such as conflicts, informing the patient on a malignant process, etc. The limiting factor as regards the use of the psychologist in a somatic department is the interest of clinical doctors in psychological problems of their patients and in aspects of the work contributed by the psychologist.