A survey of consultation-liaison psychiatry program characteristics and functions

A survey of medical school affiliated consultation-liaison psychiatry programs has provided useful information on several aspects of current C-L program activity, including: (a) patients seen and treatments provided; (b) C-L training; (c) program structure (and fiscal operations); and (d) subjective appraisal by program directors. Data on patients, diagnostic categories, and treatments support the findings of similar, previous studies. Training and research appear to be continuing at past levels rather than increasing. Limited information on fiscal operations and program structure preclude adequate assessment of their strengths and vulnerabilities. Recording of better data and the development of more aggressive management techniques are proposed as appropriate foci of attention for C-L program leaders.