Psychiatric Television Consultation for the Mentally Retarded
FRANK J. MENOLASCINO M.D.1, and
ROBERT G. OSBORNE M.D.2
1 Associate professor of psychiatry and pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Neb., and director, division of social and preventive psychiatry, Nebraska Psychiatric Institute, 602 S. 44th St., Omaha, Neb. 68105
2 Director, medical services division, Nebraska Department of Institutions, Lincoln, Neb.
The authors describe an approach to communications problems between a resident staff, who deal with a mentally retarded inpatient population in a state hospital, and nonresident psychiatrists who work 112 miles away. Using a closed circuit television for consultation, the psychiatrists helped resident staff establish more effective care and gave the nonprofessional staff a more positive outlook regarding their ability to help patients.
