Master of Philosophy in Liaison Mental Health

Purpose

To obtain experience in the psychiatric care of the medically ill under the following headings: Understanding General Principles: psychiatric assessment and consultation in a general hospital, legal and ethical issues and psychological responses to illness. Experience in managing the following Symptoms and disorders: delirium, dementia, aggression, depression and suicidality, somatization disorders, deception syndromes, eating disorders, sexual dysfunction and sleep disorders. Experience in managing psychiatric disorders in other specialities: heart disease, lung disease, gastrointestinal disorders, renal disease, endocrine and metabolic disorders, oncology, haematology, rheumatology, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, infectious diseases, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), dermatology, surgery, organ transplantation, neurology and neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, adolescents and chronic pain. To gain expertise in the treatment of the above disorders: psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and palliative care. To complete a research project in the field of liaison psychiatry.

Rationale

This qualification provides advanced training in the theory and practice of liaison mental health.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for consideration, a Master of Medicine in Psychiatry candidate must have

• Master of Medicine in Psychiatry of the University or another university recognised for this purpose, or a qualification recognised by the Senate as an equivalent (such as the fellowship in psychiatry from the College of Medicine of South Africa).
• Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology of the University or another university recognised for this purpose, or a qualification deemed to be equivalent.
• Professional qualification in a mental health discipline such a social work, occupational therapy, or nursing.
• Professional qualification with requisite experience deemed to be equivalent to any of the above. All candidates must be practising in or have the intention to practise in the mental health field.

This qualification comprises two focus areas namely

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Liaison Mental Health Part 1 (PRY7020W) Level 9, 120 Credits.
• MPhil in Liaison Mental Health Part 2 (PRY7021W) Level 9, 60 Credits.

1. The candidate will develop clinical, research and teaching skills in liaison mental health. The candidate will have specific clinical skills in the specialist psychiatric assessment and treatment of psychiatric disorders in the medically ill, using a bio-psycho-social formulation that is culturally sensitive and includes differential diagnoses. This includes a specialist knowledge of psychopathology, assessment tools, medical investigations and treatment modalities including various psychological therapies and medical treatments while the focus is on the development of specialist skills s/he should also be able to work at the primary and secondary care level to provide ongoing support and mental health promotion. S/he will have leadership skills, be an effective communicator with patients, families, colleagues and outside agencies. S/he should be able to work in a multidisciplinary team as well as work with multiple agencies such as social development when treating the psychiatric disorders of the medically ill. S/he will teach junior colleagues and other professionals and families.

An Master of Philosophy dissertation is required in addition to the coursework and clinical work. General skills include ongoing professionalism, continuous learning, self-reflection, appraisal and leadership. S/he should take a lead in clinical governance. The candidate would ideally be an advocate for psychiatric disorders in the medically ill. S/he should also have an in-depth understanding of medico-legal aspects in the field particularly ethical issues pertaining death/dying and capacity. The presentation and examination of a dissertation.

Assessment Criteria for Exit level outcome

• Demonstrate required knowledge and procedural skills as per the curriculum of the relevant College of Medicine.
• Demonstrate required knowledge and procedural skills as per the curriculum of the relevant College of Medicine.

> In the case of candidates who opt also to complete a dissertation.

• Demonstrate advanced scholarship or research in the subspecialty field.

Integrated Assessment

The examination consists of two parts. The examination in Part I consists of one or more written paper(s) and/or such practical and/or oral examinations as the examiners may require. The examination in Part 2 consists of a dissertation.