The nonprofessional hospital volunteer as a member of the psychiatric consultation team.

The use of a nonprofessional volunteer as a link between the patient and the psychiatrist in the psychiatric consultation service of a general hospital is described. The volunteer has interacted with patients and psychiatrists successfully in several ways. In addition to her participation in rounds, she helps contribute to diagnosis as well as to patient care through activity therapy and psychological support. Problems encountered in relation to staff and patients are discussed, but it is concluded that there are specific contributions that can best be made by a nonprofessional volunteer.