Designing and refining a specialty: the collaborative development of a Model of Care for Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry in Ireland

Consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) refers to the subspecialty of psychiatry and the specialist clinical services that deliver care at the intersection of mental and physical healthcare. CLP services provide specialist medical and multidisciplinary expertise for managing conditions in these areas of mental and physical healthcare overlap, and comorbidity. The Model of Care for CLP was identified as a key priority in <i>Sharing the Vision</i>, the 2020 national mental health policy in Ireland. Following four years of work by a writing group initiated by the Faculty of Liaison Psychiatry at the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, the Model of Care for CLP in Ireland was launched in May 2025 (Cpsychi H (2025). Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: A Model of Care for Ireland. Dublin: HSE.).). Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: A Model of Care for Ireland. Dublin: HSE.). This reflects the collaborative efforts between the Liaison Faculty and the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE). This Model of Care, developed in collaboration with clinicians and patients, the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, and the HSE, provides a potential template for future collaborations in the development and implementation of National Mental Health policy.