Implementation of a Psychiatry Consultation-Liaison Service "Conseminar"

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Medical Education
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Consultation-liaison psychiatry has limited clinical trials to guide practice.
• There is a need for consensus-building to address common clinical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel educational process, the "conseminar," for consultation-liaison psychiatry faculty.
• To minimize variability in teaching and clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Faculty engage in an iterative group exercise to identify and prioritize clinical topics.
• A focused literature review is conducted, aided by a librarian.
• Consensus "best-practice" recommendations are developed in the absence of definitive data.

Main Results:

• The "conseminar" process reduces variability in diagnostic and treatment recommendations among faculty.
• Shared documents promote consistent teaching and practice across institutions.

Conclusions:

• The "conseminar" is an effective method for standardizing clinical practice in consultation-liaison psychiatry.
• This approach can enhance the quality of education and patient care.