The role of the psychiatric consultation-liaison nurse in the general hospital

Abstract

The mainstreaming of psychiatric services has increased the amount of contact nurses have with clients experiencing mental health problems within the general hospital environment. A review of the literature suggests that general nurses find themselves lacking in the skills, confidence and knowledge to care adequately for these patients. The aim of this paper is to discuss the potential contribution of the psychiatric consultation-liaison nurse in addressing such problems in order to improve health outcomes for patients experiencing mental health problems. While a number of positions for Psychiatric Consultation-Liaison Nurses are being created throughout Australia, there is a paucity of literature relating to the development of this important role. This paper is intended to contribute to the advancement of a body of knowledge in this area.