Medical students perceptions of the influence of undergraduate experiences on making a career choice in psychiatry

Abstract

Purpose Psychiatric recruitment and retention are at an unprecedented low within the UK. The reasons for this shortfall may include public and professional stigma, recent NHS service developments and changes in undergraduate training. The purpose of this study is to explore medical student’s perceptions of the nature and magnitude of these factors on influencing whether or not they would choose a career in psychiatry. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study was conducted with year four medical students at a single UK University with low levels of recruitment into psychiatry. Two focus groups were asked about their undergraduate experience within the speciality. Thematic analysis of the resulting transcripts enabled the identification of codes and over-arching themes, which formed the focus of this study. Findings Four key themes were identified during analysis and these included: the core subject matter (of psychiatry) viewed as being different; curriculum or course variables; interpersonal factors and; career factors. Placement enjoyment, positive role-modelling and enthusiasm were all important when considering psychiatry as a career. Therapeutic success, career flexibility and pay-banding were also powerful determinants. Practical implications These findings led to the initiation of an apprentice programme for undergraduates on psychiatric placement, designed to enhance the student experience of psychiatry and the perception of the speciality as a career. Originality/value While there are a number of possible solutions to current adverse national trends in psychiatric recruitment, increasing efforts to increase both the variety and quality of undergraduate placements and establishing a clearer sense of team identity is of vital importance if these patterns are to be reversed.