Child Psychiatry

Introduction

Given the significant overlap in disease states, a solid understanding of psychiatric disease is necessary to thoroughly evaluate and treat children with neurologic conditions.  The child psychiatry rotation is a mixture of inpatient consult service and outpatient clinic experience intended to provide resident exposure to the medical management of primary psychiatric disorders as well as psychiatric comorbidities of neurologic disease.  Also relevant to the child neurologist is an understanding of the practice of pediatric neuropsychology. Therefore, exposure to neuropsychological testing also occurs during this rotation.

Schedule

Prior to the beginning of the rotation the resident will be contacted by psychiatry department administrative assistants with a schedule and goals and objectives for the rotation.  The rotation is composed of a mix of the inpatient consult service as well as outpatient clinic.  Inpatient consultative experience takes place at the American Family Children’s Hospital.  Outpatient experience is mostly at Wisconsin Psychiatric Institute and Clinics (WisPIC).  Neuropsychology occurs in the UW Health Neurology Clinics.

Medical Knowledge

Residents must demonstrate knowledge of established biomedical, clinical, epidemiological and social-behavioral sciences, as well as the application of this knowledge to patient care.

1. Knowledge of psychiatric diseases relevant to child neurology
2. Recognize and manage psychiatric disorders that have neurologic manifestations
3. Become familiar with the principles and practice of psychopharmacology
4. Develop basic understanding of instruments used for neuropsychiatric and neuroeducational testing

Patient Care Skills

Residents must be able to provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health.

1. Perform an appropriate psychiatric history on inpatient consults
2. Perform an appropriate psychiatric exam including mental status exam
3. Understand parameters for chemical and physical restraints
4. Learn to obtain detailed developmental and behavioral history

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Residents must demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families, and health professionals.

1. Demonstrate oral and written communication skills enabling establishment and maintenance of effective professional relationships with patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team
2. Demonstrate skills to discuss sensitive issues in an effective, compassionate manner
3. Perform complete and focused case presentations that are accurate and well organized.
4. Prepare and maintain accurate medical records

Professionalism

Residents must demonstrate a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities and an adherence to ethical principles.

1. Display integrity, honesty and appropriate boundaries with patients, families and other professionals
2. Recognized the limits of one’s knowledge and skills
3. Protect patient privacy in discussions, medical records and professional interactions

Systems-Based Practice

Residents must demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care, as well as the ability to call effectively on other resources in the system to provide optimal health care.

1. Prioritize patient problems
2. Develop cost-effective diagnostic plans
3. Develop evidence based plan for treatment
4. Understand the roles and responsibilities of all members of the psychiatric team

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

Residents must demonstrate the ability to investigate and evaluate their care of patients, to appraise and assimilate scientific evidence, and to continuously improve patient care based on constant self-evaluation and life-long learning.

1. Incorporate evidence based medicine into diagnostic work up and treatment plan
2. Locate, evaluate, and incorporate information for problem solving and decision making relevant to the patients cared for
3. Effectively transmit medical knowledge to medical staff