Effect of inpatient psychiatry training on internal medicine residents. Results of a survey.

Forty-two residents in internal medicine completed an attitudinal survey at the beginning and end of a 2-month inpatient psychiatry rotation. Residents noted a significant increase in their confidence regarding the management of various psychiatric problems and personality problems, the conducting of supportive counseling, the making of psychiatric referrals, the usefulness of psychotherapy, and the ability to discuss emotionally difficult subjects with patients. The rotation was perceived as being worthwhile and enjoyable. Areas of uncertainty that remained included concern regarding the time demands, the perception that psychiatric patients are anxiety-provoking and difficult to treat, and that psychiatric knowledge was an extension of common sense.