A Short Course in Medicine for the Consulting Pediatric Psychologist: Essential Knowledge for the Nonphysician Clinician

Abstract

Pediatric psychologists, with clinical health and child psychology training, are useful partners or consultants across pediatric healthcare settings. While value derived from integrated behavioral and medical care is well-documented (including increased access to indicated mental health diagnoses and treatments, reduced medical care utilization, and increased patient satisfaction), there are multiple challenges to integration. One such challenge for behavioral health providers is learning the language of physician/medical colleagues regarding acute and chronic medical illness/injury and medical intervention. This chapter represents a multidisciplinary, collaborative effort to create a brief guide to practical medical information for the pediatric psychologist working in a medical setting. Information presented is introductory and focused on topics the authors find to be most common and relevant in pediatric practice in both inpatient and outpatient settings. There is special attention to emotional and behavioral considerations of various medical procedures and interventions throughout. Topics covered include medical specialty areas of expertise, diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, common procedures, medication management, acronyms/abbreviations in medical terminology, useful resources for further reference, ethical and cultural considerations, and medically controversial topics. The ultimate goal of this review of medical information and resources is to further promote the successful collaboration and communication across healthcare specialists who have much to offer children and families facing complex health-related challenges.