(200) Report of the first national survey of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrists in México

Background: CLP began and took shape in the United States,¹ but has had expansion and parallel developments in several other countries. ^2-3 In Mexico, C-L Psychiatry is a 1-year fellowship, after the 4-year specialty of general psychiatry. Currently, in our country, there are only four clinical sites where around 10 psychiatrists graduate each year with this subspecialty. It is estimated that there are between 150-200 psychiatrists trained in C-L psychiatry in Mexico; CL Psychiatrists and General Psychiatrists work in general hospitals; however, we do not know the precise number of those who practice in general hospitals, their working conditions, greater areas of expertise, main reasons for consultation. This study aims to show the characteristics of the population that practices C-L psychiatry in Mexico.

Methods: This national survey was sent through the digital groups of General Psychiatrists and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrists of Mexico (WhatsApp groups, emails). The questions seek to know the activities carried out by Psychiatrists within General Hospitals, what are their main challenges, their main areas of knowledge, difficulties they present in the practice of CL-Psychiatry, how many are certified, how many have undergone formal training in CL-Psychiatry and those who completed general psychiatry and carry out activities as a CL-psychiatrist. The survey was conducted from September-December 2022.

Results: Responses were obtained from a sample of N=158 psychiatrists, of which up to 40.51% (64) of the respondents are in the age range of 36 to 45 years. 56.96% (90) of the psychiatrists working in a general hospital do not have specific academic training as CL psychiatrists. The professionals surveyed belong to 27 of the 32 states of México. The three main areas of expertise and knowledge of psychiatrists are psychiatric emergencies, neurology, and critical medicine. In general hospitals there are at least one or two psychiatrists 48.92% (68). The two main reasons for consultation are delirium and depression. 77.27% (119), refer to having within their work functions clinical care for the personnel of the same hospital (nursing, resident physicians, attending physicians, and medical students). 1 in 5 supervises psychiatric residents and oversees their teaching. 1 in 3 professionals report experiencing high levels of stress within the hospital.

Conclusion: This is the first survey carried out in Mexico on psychiatrists who are in general hospitals, whether they have training in C-L psychiatry or practice empirically. It is necessary to create more fellowship programs in CL psychiatry in our country, to have presence more psychiatrists specially trained in these areas of medicine and collaborate with the teams in the different specialties to approach the medically ill patient. It is essential to train more psychiatrists in CL psychiatry within the country, generating a greater culture of collaborative care between medical specialties.



References:

< !Lyketsos et al. Psychosomatic medicine: A new psychiatric subspecialty in the U.S. focused on the interface between psychiatry and medicine. Eur J Psychiat 2006; 20(3): 165-171.

<  Y. Kishi, The current state and further development of consultation-liaison psychiatry in general hospitals, Seishin Shinkeigaku Zasshi 112 (12) (2010) 1203–1209.

Presentation Eligibility: "Not previously published or presented".

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Mexico is a country with great interest in CL Psychiatry, sharing data on the working conditions of CL Psychiatrists in Mexico at the ACLP meeting opens the opportunity for inclusion within our profession.

Seeking to generate on this same topic in countries outside the United States.