Model to Integrate Psychology/Psychotherapy with Medical Activities at the Hospital of Terni, Italy

Abstract

At the present time, epidemiological and pathophysiological studies in behavioral cardiology are quite widespread. However, the translation of these results into clinical practice lags behind, such that there is often no clear consensus on which interventions work best.

Interdisciplinary teams that include psychologists enable people to reduce their risk of developing a major chronic illness via the diagnosis and treatment of major psychological risk factors. They also provide stress management assistance from the perspective of balancing demands for services and the resources to supply them. The “balance model” is a system for the measurement and therapy of stress. It is based on the notion that stress is a maladaptive response to the imbalance between demands and resources (both internal and external) of a person. This model allows psychologists and clinicians to manage stress appropriately, focusing on the patient by redefining these requests and optimizing resources. Using this model, the collaboration between the patient and caregiver concentrates on forming an adequate image of the disease and its treatment. Proper understanding of the disease, its causes and consequences, as well as of expectations for treatment outcomes is the cognitive component of the disease. An integrated healthcare approach helps us to eliminate negative stigma, as well as increases awareness about the psychosocial aspects of health, thereby facilitating the development and administration of coping strategies and healthy behaviors.

Change does not take place with the passing of time but with the evolution of our thoughts

Leonard Orr, Konrad Halbig [Orr L, Halbig K (2011) Der verbundene Atem, Schirner Verlag, Berlin]