Joaquín Díaz Atienza
INTRODUCTION
In this third post we present the recommendations made by World Psychiatric Association To improve the public image of both the psychiatry specialty and psychiatrists. These are general measures that should be adapted to each specific geographical area: the situation we face in Almería and/or Andalusia is not the same as that in Catalonia or the Basque Country. In Andalucia the politicization of Clinical Management Units have contributed in a unique way, not only to the disappearance of the philosophy of the SCommunity Mental Healthbut rather to a planning process that is primarily economist, as the ultimate goal, to the detriment of the quality of care. Likewise, this economic perspective has blurred the roles of the various professionals, with unconditional loyalty to the system prevailing over the selection of personnel based on their academic qualifications.
1. What can we do to improve the public image of psychiatry?
1.1. Several outreach initiatives have shown that increased information about mental health problems at the community level leads to greater acceptance of the diverse treatments offered by psychiatry. Therefore, the first recommendation is that psychiatrists participate in every opportunity to dismantle social stereotypes about psychiatric treatments.
1.2. To facilitate the acceptance of psychiatry and the mentally ill in the community context, it is recommended that psychiatrists participate in mental health promotion programs, both in the general population and in schools, not delegating these interventions to other professionals, or co-participating with them, in order to increase the visibility of our profession.
1.3. The image of psychiatry portrayed by the media must be changed, promoting a realistic view of the specialty and its treatment. To achieve this, the participation of both psychiatrists and patients is crucial to fostering an image more aligned with the patient's reality. It is also recommended that psychiatrists receive media training to enhance the credibility and acceptability of their messages. In this regard, the World Psychiatric Association recommends that psychiatry residents participate in workshops that improve their communication skills with the press and television.
1.4. In order to improve the perception of psychiatry among medical students and other specialists, both the psychiatry curriculum and the teaching style should be changed. In this regard, it is recommended that students have direct contact with patients during their training. The negative image of psychiatry begins in medical school and continues after specialization.
2. How to improve the image of the psychiatrist
2.1. There is very little literature on this subject, although there are some initiatives, such as the one proposed by the Quebec Psychiatric Association. This association proposes: increasing the visibility of psychiatrists in the media, being present in the face of the population's needs and critical situations, and increasing their presence in the community. It also recommends publicly responding to unfounded criticism of the profession and increasing their involvement in social volunteer movements.
2.2. It is also recommended to develop positive relationships with the media, participate in television programs and information flows, and offer oneself as an expert on mental health issues and forensic cases.
2.3. Improve the esteem among other medical professionals from undergraduate medical studies, increase liaison psychiatry, maintain that the psychiatrist is first and foremost a medical professional and secondly a specialist, maintain contacts and fluid relationships with primary care physicians.
2.4. The psychiatrist should take special care in the following aspects: establishing an attitude of respect with patients and their families, keeping up to date with the scientific advances in psychiatry and the implementation of his clinical activity, strict observance of ethical principles, both in professional practice and with respect to the organization of mental health services, collaboration with other medical professions on equal terms.
In summary, psychiatrists must awaken society and the media, reclaiming the role that corresponds to their training. Likewise, they must assert their primary role in all services where clinical activity is the priority, and in Andalusia, TO ACTIVELY OPPOSE THE DECISION THAT NURSING PROFESSIONALS AND OTHER NON-MEDICAL PROFESSIONS MAY HEAD HOSPITALIZATION SERVICES.
