What residents should know before starting inpatient psychiatry?

Most psychiatry residencies begin clinical training assigned to an inpatient service. This exposes residents to acute, hospitalized mental health crises cases and teaches them teamwork in collaboration with a variety of healthcare professionals. Faculty and staff can facilitate resident transition to hospital practice by orienting them ahead of time with an introduction to clinical and documentation procedures. International medical graduates might benefit from extra training about the American health care system and culture. Once on service, resident guidance by faculty includes educational supervision about interviewing skills, making diagnoses, and clinical management. A self-guided study plan with appropriate literature can initiate a practice of independent learning.