Addressing psychiatric needs on non-psychiatric wards: training and collaborative insights from medical trainees

Introduction. Effective interdisciplinary collaboration is pivotal for providing comprehensive healthcare, especially in managing patients with both physical and psychiatric comorbidities. However, the perspectives and experiences of medical trainees in non-psychiatric specialties regarding collaboration with psychiatric services remain underexplored. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the opinions and perceptions of medical trainees from various non-psychiatric specialties regarding their collaboration with psychiatric services and their management of patients with psychiatric comorbidities. Methods. An online survey was conducted among medical trainees, gathering data on demographics, psychiatric training, access to psychiatric services, and strategies for managing patients with psychiatric comorbidities. The survey also assessed the barriers to collaboration with psychiatrists. Results. Forty-nine trainees completed the online survey, primarily based in Bucharest and representing various specialties and training levels. Only 22.4% had psychiatry rotations in their curricula, with varying durations. Access to psychiatric resources was limited, and 70% believed available resources were insufficient. While most trainees were willing to recommend psychiatric evaluations, patient stigma toward psychiatry and the scarcity of available psychiatrists posed significant barriers. Conclusion. This study highlights the importance of addressing psychiatric comorbidities in medical practice and the need for standardized psychiatric training across specialties. Collaborative efforts between medical professionals and psychiatrists are crucial, but challenges such as stigma and resource limitations must be addressed. The findings provide valuable insights for healthcare institutions and policymakers to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and improve patient care in the context of psychiatric comorbidities.