Competency evaluations on the consultation-liaison service. Some overt and covert aspects.

Competency assessments are a growing function of the consultation-liaison (C-L) psychiatrist. Such consultation requests often mask a variety of psychosocial issues that are a source of frustration to the referring physician responding to the pressures of the changing health care delivery system in the acute care setting. This study identifies the issues and the outcome of psychiatric consultation in these patients. The implications of this burgeoning role for the C-L psychiatrist are also explored.