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Monday, November 2, 2009: 3:30 PM
Learning Objective 1: Understand the role and benefits of the Psychiatric Consultation Liaison Nurse for both patients and health care providers.
Learning Objective 2: Discuss the evidenced based practice findings that can support the implementation and demonstrate effectiveness of the collaborative role of the Psychiatric Consultation Liaison Nurse.
One in three hospitalized patients in the acute care setting has at least one mental, neurological or behavioral disorder. Alarmingly, most of these disorders are neither diagnosed nor treated. Mental illnesses affect and are affected by chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and HIV/AIDS. Untreated mental illness may lead to unhealthy behavior, lack of compliance, diminished immune functioning, and poor outcomes. Nurses working in general medical hospitals have increased contact with patients experiencing mental health issues. The literature suggests that nurses do not believe they have the skills, confidence and knowledge to care adequately for their patients’mental health needs. The Psychiatric Consultation Liaison Nurse can assist and educate general nurses in the care of patients with mental health problems who are in a medical setting. This presentation will highlight the direct patient care functions of the innovative role of the Psychiatric Consultation Liaison Nurse and the consultation, collaboration and education that occurs with the health care team. Evidenced based practice findings will demonstrate the effectiveness of the role of the Psychiatric Consultation Liaison Nurse.