The psychological welfare of medical patients is attracting increasing attention.
Becoming physically ill is a stressful experience. Whilst most people adjust well to
the limitations imposed by their condition, a significant number develop some
form of psychological disorder secondary to their physical disease. Other patients
present with physical symptoms for which no adequate medical explanation can
be established and in many the symptoms are found to be the result of a hitherto
unrecognised psychological problem. Several government reports in England and
Wales have emphasised the need for medical patients to have access to psychiatric
and psychological services.1,2 The first joint report from the Royal Colleges of
Physicians and Psychiatrists highlighted the nature of the problems and made
recommendations for the provision of psychological care in general hospitals.3
The present report updates the earlier report in the light of recent developments
in treatment, health service organisation and medical law.