[Educational System for Certified Psychologists in General Hospitals].

Abstract

The certified psychologist is a cross-disciplinary profession ; thus, the qualification test and curriculum should cover not only medical but also non-medical areas. The number of men- tal health professionals working in medical areas is high. Knowledge and skills in the health care area are necessary for certified psychologists and candidates. Knowledge covers laws and systems of medical services, including medical safety and infection control, and medical knowledge at the non-professional/patient level. In the general medical area, skills of: 1) having multilevel perspectives, 2) understanding dynamics and collaborating, and 3) facilitating com- munication with difficulties, are necessary. When going down the clinical river, holding an OAR [Open, Available, Responsible] is significant, not only for those who working in the medical area but for everyone, because every certified psychologist is obligated to cooperate.