Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist Interview Questions

Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision related to patient care. How did you approach it?

JUNIOR LEVEL

Sample answer to the question:

In a difficult decision related to patient care, I had to determine the appropriate course of action for a patient who was experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms while also being treated for a medical condition. I approached the situation by gathering as much information as possible, including reviewing the patient's medical history and consulting with the interdisciplinary team. After careful consideration, I made a decision to adjust the patient's medication regimen to better manage their psychiatric symptoms while minimizing any potential interactions with their medical treatment. This decision was effective in stabilizing the patient's mental health and ensuring they received appropriate care for their medical condition.

Here is a more solid answer:

I encountered a difficult decision related to patient care when I was treating a patient with a complex medical condition who also presented with severe anxiety and depression symptoms. I approached the situation by taking a comprehensive approach, which involved reviewing the patient's medical history, conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation, and collaborating with the medical team. After extensive discussions, we decided to develop an integrated treatment plan that included pharmacotherapy targeted to manage the patient's psychiatric symptoms without interfering with the ongoing medical treatment. This decision was successful in improving the patient's overall well-being and allowing them to focus on their medical recovery.

Why is this a more solid answer?

The solid answer provides more specific details about the patient's condition and the decision made, demonstrating the candidate's clinical and diagnostic skills, ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, and critical thinking and problem-solving skills. However, it could further improve by highlighting the candidate's communication and interpersonal skills, as well as their compassion towards patients with mental health issues.

An example of a exceptional answer:

A situation that required a difficult decision related to patient care involved a patient with a complex medical condition who was in need of a major surgical procedure. However, the patient also had a history of severe depression and expressed concerns about the impact of the surgery on their mental health. To approach this situation, I conducted a comprehensive assessment of the patient's psychiatric history, conducted multiple discussions with the patient, their family, and the surgical team. After careful consideration, we decided to take a collaborative approach, involving the patient's psychiatrist throughout the surgical process to provide ongoing mental health support. This decision not only ensured the patient received the necessary medical treatment but also emphasized the importance of their mental well-being throughout the entire care journey.

Why is this an exceptional answer?

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing specific details about the patient's history, the collaborative approach taken, and the impact of the decision on the patient's overall care. It addresses all the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description, including the candidate's strong clinical and diagnostic skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, compassion towards patients with mental health issues, strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and time management and prioritization skills.

How to prepare for this question:

Review and familiarize yourself with the most common difficult decisions that can arise in patient care, such as balancing mental health needs with medical treatment.

Reflect on your past experiences in patient care and identify situations where difficult decisions were made related to patient care.

Practice explaining how you approach difficult decisions, including gathering information, consulting with a team, and considering all possible options.

Highlight your ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team by providing examples of collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

Demonstrate your compassion towards patients with mental health issues by sharing stories of times when you went above and beyond to ensure their well-being.

Discuss your critical thinking and problem-solving skills by describing how you analyze complex situations and develop innovative solutions.

Emphasize your time management and prioritization skills by mentioning experiences where you effectively managed multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

What are interviewers evaluating with this question?