Psychological Assessment in the Psychiatric Inpatient Setting – Writing the Report (1.5 CEs)t

Abstract

In the psychiatric inpatient setting, the psychological assessment report takes a unique shape. Psychological assessment in the inpatient setting is crucial for a number of reasons, such as providing information regarding a patient’s emotional functioning, cognitive functioning, and diagnostic presentation that may not be immediately apparent to the treatment team. Assessments inform treatment technique, enhance diagnostic clarity, and guide disposition planning. As a crucial component of comprehensive psychiatric care, assessment reports must meet key needs of the treatment team and remain practical for the patient and at-home caregivers, all while being delivered under time and resource-constraints. This roundtable discussion will gather individuals to present a diversity of perspectives on writing the report in the inpatient setting, an often underexplored topic. First, the discussion will address the clinician’s various and competing goals in writing the report. Next, three relatively discrete report structures, including a highly abbreviated preliminary findings model, will be outlined (handouts will be provided). Barriers surrounding psychological certainty, report utility, and the time-limited nature of the inpatient environment—along with potential management of these barriers—will be discussed. Finally, discussion will highlight how to individually tailor reports to the individual, incorporating intersectional identities, interpreting data through a cultural lens, and ensuring that the writing is accessible. The discussion will be highly interactive, encouraging audience discussion. Presenters will represent perspectives from three different inpatient hospitals and include hospital leadership, supervisor, and student viewpoints.

Coordinator

Alex Smith| George Washington University

Speakers

Connor Adams | Stanford University

William Guy | Clarity Child Guidance Center

Phuong Bach Nguyen | St. Elizabeth's Hospital

Yi Liu | St. Elizabeth's Hospital

Goals & Objectives

1. Explain the goals and challenges of completing a psychological report in the inpatient setting.
2. Describe three relatively discrete approaches to structuring the report, including an abbreviated consultative model, and their utility depending on the consumer.
3. Review the benefits and limitations of the report in acute and long-term inpatient settings.