The clinical psychologist and the management of XXXX : a small case series.

@entity1 @entity146 @entity148 @entity158 @entity1118
Recent research has confirmed that between 25% and 33% of all hospitalized @entity1 experience unacceptable levels of @entity158 . Studies further indicate that this reduces @entity1 satisfaction levels, lengthens hospital stays, and increases cost. Hospitals are aiming to discharge @entity1 earlier, and this can interfere with adequate @entity158 management. Therefore, the @entity158 service at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital has adapted to this changing model of care. An increasing body of evidence demonstrates that psychological factors are key components of @entity1 ' @entity158 experiences in both acute and @entity1118 . Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest a clinical psychologist should be involved in @entity158 management. This small study discusses three cases that highlight how @entity1 care could be improved by including a clinical psychologist as part of the @entity158 team. Two cases particularly highlight the active role of the psychologist in the diagnosis and management of common conditions such as fear and @entity148 , along with other @entity146 comorbidities. The management therefore employed an eclectic approach adapted from @entity1118 and comprising of behavioral, cognitive behavioral, and dialectical behavioral therapeutic techniques blended with brief counseling. The third case exemplifies the importance of nurse- @entity1 interactions and the quality of nurse- @entity1 relationships on @entity1 outcomes. Here, the psychologist helped to optimize communication and to resolve a difficult and potentially risk-laden situation. This small case series discusses the benefits derived from the involvement of a clinical psychologist in the management of @entity158 , and therefore illustrates the need for novel initiatives for @entity158 services. However, future research is warranted to validate this approach.
