Psychologists work using evidence based approaches, as set out in national guidelines. We aim to reduce anxiety and depression and, where relevant, increase motivation and control, set goals for treatment and measure our success in reaching those goals. For many conditions, psychological input has been demonstrated to improve symptom management, increase mobility, reduce disability and shorten length of hospital stays, resulting in a better patient experience and considerable cost savings.
A recent report by the kings Fund summarises the benefits for patients with long term conditions where psychological treatment is integrated with physical care. This emphasises the importance of treating the person and not the condition. Cost savings in the ratio 4:1 are associated with reduction of length of stay for inpatients where psychosocial factors are managed as part and parcel of physical care.