Health Psychology Consultation in Inpatient Medical Settings: Physicians' Perspectives and Preferences

Authors sought to elucidate physician perspectives of a health psychology inpatient consultation service to refine practices in addressing physicians' and patients' needs. Invitations to participate in an anonymous online survey were sent to credentialed physicians at an academic medical center in the Midwest. Twelve survey items assessed topics such: perceptions of medical inpatients' behavioral health needs; factors affecting referrals for consultation; types of services needed; preferences for communication; confidence in making referrals to health psychology; and contributions of psychologists beyond patient care. Forty-nine physicians from 12 medical and surgical services completed the survey. Nearly half believed that hospitalized patients could benefit from psychological consultation. Physicians had varied understanding of differences between the roles and services of psychology and other disciplines that address mental and behavioral health. Barriers to referral for consultation included insufficient integration with medical teams and longer wait times to complete consultations. Physicians appreciated direct conversation with health psychology consultants to discuss recommendations for patient care versus exclusive reliance on communication in the electronic medical record. Health psychology consultation is recognized by physicians as a valuable clinical service enhancing inpatient care and as providing additional institutional (e.g., educational) benefits.