Consultation, Collaboration, and Interprofessional Practice in Medical Settings
Core concepts
Understand the consultant's role: answering a specific referral question, providing a focused assessment, and communicating recommendations that the medical team can act on. Know models of integrated care (coordinated, co-located, fully integrated) and the difference between consultation-liaison and primary care behavioral health. Grasp team dynamics-role clarity, hierarchy, conflict resolution, shared care plans-and communication tools (SBAR, warm handoffs, closed-loop communication). Recognize ethical boundaries of the consultant role (you advise; the treating team decides) and the importance of documenting concise, behaviorally specific recommendations.
Traps
Stems test whether you stay in the consultant role versus assuming primary treatment responsibility. Watch for the "curbside" question-informal advice without adequate data carries risk; clarify the referral question and see the patient when needed. Another trap: giving recommendations that ignore team workflow or that are too vague ("needs coping skills") to implement. Also be alert to confidentiality in shared records and to triangulation in team conflict.
Worked example
A nurse asks you to "fix" an "uncooperative" patient. Best response: clarify the referral question, assess the patient, and reframe the behavior functionally for the team with concrete recommendations. Rule of thumb: consult, don't take over; recommend, don't dictate.
Study tip
When a stem describes team friction, the best answer usually restores role clarity and uses structured communication.