After-hours coverage in psychology training clinics.

Abstract

There is a paucity of literature that addresses emergency coverage in psychology department training clinics. A survey of after-hours emergency coverage procedures in psychology training clinics affiliated with doctoral programs in clinical or professional psychology indicated that 75% of these clinics have some form of after-hours emergency coverage. A chi-square analysis did not show a relationship between criteria for excluding people from clinical services and the decision to provide after-hours emergency services. There were no significant correlations between having after-hours emergency services and the size of the clinic, academic vs. year-round schedule, or APA accreditation of the graduate program. It was concluded that the current standard of emergency coverage in training clinics is generally less than adequate. Appropriate standards of coverage are proposed.

Review of research conducted in psychology program training clinics.

“…Stevenson and Norcross also found that 63% of TCs were open beyond the academic year. Bernstein et al (1991) found that 86% of the clinics in their sample operated year round, but they surveyed the National Council of Schools of Professional Psychology as well as the ADPTC, so the samples may not be comparable.…”

Suicide and malpractice liability: Assessing and revising policies, procedures, and practice in outpatient settings.

“…It follows that some therapists may overtly or covertly wish to avoid these potentially troublesome patients. Indeed, in their survey of psychology training clinics, Bernstein, Feldberg, and Brown (1991) found that a high percentage of clinics (59%) have exclusionary criteria and do not provide services to suicidal clients. Although there may be a wish to avoid such patients, these suffering individuals are both clinically common and often quite responsive to competent care.…”

“…Step 2: Maintain a Written Policy and Procedure Statement Although private practitioners may not have specific policy statements, agency settings should always have a detailed writ-ten statement specific to the risk management policy of dealing with suicidal patients. (It should be noted, however, that written policy statements about emergency procedures are often rare or nonexistent in clinic settings-refer to Bernstein, Feldberg, & Brown, 1991. ) Ideally, written policy can be included as part of a larger agency manual of policies and procedures.…”

The stress of patient emergencies for the clinician: Incidence, impact, and means of coping

“…Kranz (1985) and Covino (1989) have suggested that psychology graduate and professional school programs have been deficient in teaching the skills needed for dealing with behavioral emergencies. Data that support their contention has been presented in the survey of after-hours coverage in psychology training clinics by Bernstein, Feldberg, and Brown (1991). These investigators concluded that "the current standard for training clinics in emergency coverage appears to be less than adequate" (p. 207).…”