UBC Training Objectives – Chronic Care Psychiatry (the link opens a PDF file)

The aim of the chronic care rotation is to provide training in the comprehensive treatment of individuals with schizophrenia and psychotic illness across the age spectrum, from the initial psychotic break, through remissions and relapses, through to old age.  The rich diversity of training sites in the UBC Fraser Health Greater Vancouver Psychiatry Residency Program includes Tertiary Rehabilitation Programs such as the newly opened Cottonwood/Connolly/Cypress Lodges, Assertive Community Outreach programs based at our Mental Health Centres in New Westminster and Port Coquitlam, Rehabiliation Psychiatry Residential programs such as Pioneer House on the Royal Columbian Hospital grounds, Early Psychosis Intervention Programs based at the Royal Columbian Hospital, a regional Psychosis Treatment Optimization Program based at the Royal Columbian Hospital, and the inpatient ward at RCH for the management of acute relapse.

Rotations can be individualized to meet resident needs and interests.  The rotation will emphasize diagnostic and therapeutic skills so that, upon completion, the resident will feel confident managing common issues that arise in working with this patient population including meaning of the illness to the patient and family, denial of illness and issues of treatment adherence, commitment and competency legislation, utilization of extended leave provisions in the B.C. Mental Health Act, assessment and management of concomitant depression and suicide risk, co-morbid substance use disorders, cognitive problems, motivation and work skills, accurate diagnosis and effective psychopharmacological regimens.  An emphasis is also placed on the conceptual understanding and practical realization of the goals of rehabilitation and recovery.  The resident will also feel confident in consulting to family physicians and community agencies.  Development of skills in liasing with allied health professionals and multidisciplinary care planning is an important goal.  There will be an opportunity during the rotation to gain experience in individual, group, and family interventions.  Recognition and treatment of common treatment side effects will also be emphasized.

Rotation Director: Dr. Ambrose Cheng