WEBB FELLOW: Who’s the Patient?: Teaching Psychodynamics in C-L Psychiatry

Abstract: Background/ Significance:

Though there is generally consistent training in basic consultation-liaison skills (e.g. psychopharmacology, capacity assessments, delirium management) for psychiatry residents, there is more inconsistent education in incorporating psychodynamics into consultation-liaison psychiatry. Managing the underlying dynamics among patient, consultee, and consultant can be one of the most challenging aspects of C-L psychiatry. Lack of awareness of these dynamics can lead to ineffective communication and treatment; whereas, awareness of these dynamics can optimize liaisoning and patient care. The aim of this project was to design and implement an innovative educational session on psychodynamics in C-L psychiatry for PGY2 psychiatry residents.



Methods:

A needs assessment was performed with current PGY3s and PGY4s (who had completed their C-L rotations) at a residency program to identify challenging psychodynamic concepts they had encountered. This information was used to develop a 1-hr educational session for current PGY2 psychiatry residents. This session utilized an interactive case and focused on strategies to (1) identify transference / countertransference dynamics among the patient, consultee, and consultant triangle and (2) intervene in the case as a C-L psychiatrist. PGY2 psychiatry residents completed a pre- and post-session survey to analyze the effectiveness of the session.



Results:

This project is currently in progress. The results will be presented at the ACLP 2024 meeting.