Interdisciplinary collaboration: psychiatric medical backup in the outpatient clinic.

The provision of psychiatric medical backup to nonphysician therapists is currently an important issue in inpatient and outpatient practice. Like all team approaches, backup offers the possibility of increased efficiency, professional growth, and access to treatment. At the same time, the psychiatrist providing medical backup is confronted with practical and ethical dilemmas in meeting his or her responsibilities. The authors define the role of psychiatrist medical backup and propose a collaborative model for outpatient practice. Issues to be considered in the planning of backup arrangements are discussed. The importance of clear role definition and communication between collaborators is emphasized.