Consultation Liason Issues in the Training of Psychiatry Residents in Portugal

Abstract

Background:

It is widely recognized the importance of Consultation Liaison (C-L) training for general psychiatry residents. The present International and European panorama is diverse among countries which reflect different cultural, historical and political backgrounds.

Aim:

To present the postgraduate training in C-L Psychiatry during Psychiatry Residency in Portugal and discuss it in a trans-european perspective.

Methods:

Review of the literature. MEDLINE and PubMed databases searches, using combinations of the Medline Subject Heading terms consultation-liaison psychiatry and training, residency, internship.

Results:

In Portugal, during postgraduate training, rotation to a C-L psychiatry service is mandatory, with a minimal duration of three months. It is possible to prolong the duration of the stage for several months as an optional rotation training. National psychiatric directives define generally the core competencies and skills to acquire during the C-L Psychiatry training. There are no specific national guidelines for C-L Psychiatry training. There is no C-L Psychiatry speciality or sub-speciality. Liaison Psychiatry is practised in general hospitals where there is a psychiatric unit.

Conclusions:

Portuguese psychiatry residents are exposed to C-L work as part of their clinical experience in general psychiatry as the national psychiatry residency training program include three months minimum of compulsory training in C-L Psychiatry in a general hospital. It is crucial to reflect on training issues in C-L Psychiatry in Portugal and Europe, since it is a step to a common path of higher quality and homogeneity of training across european countries.