Group meetings on an adolescent medical ward.

This report describes the development, functioning, content, and usefulness of patient group meetings on an adolescent medical ward. The meetings prove to be a useful technique in furthering the objectives of psychiatric consultation in such a setting. The meetings convinced the author that the threat to developing autonomy is the major focus of emotional conflict for the hospitalized adolescent. The meetings prove beneficial in helping the patients adjust to the experience of hospitalization. A diagnostic and educational function is also served.