Audit of case-load and case mix of higher specialist trainees in child and adolescent psychiatry

Abstract

AIMS AND METHODThe aim of the audit was to ensure that the case-load and case mix for trainees in child and adolescent psychiatry met Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Advisory Committee guidelines and that trainees were seeing cases with an appropriate mix of age, gender and diagnoses. Data on case-load and case mix were analysed annually and problem areas were identified and reviewed when the audit cycle was repeated. The audit cycle has been repeated three times.RESULTSSpecific findings from the audit included: female trainees were seeing a high percentage of girls; male trainees were seeing a high percentage of boys; some trainees were seeing a high proportion of cases of deliberate self-harm; and there was a recent increase in the number of cases of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The first two issues were rectified as a result of the audit process; the last is being monitored.CLINICAL IMPLICATIONSTraining needs should come before service needs. Auditing trainees' case-loads and case mixes helped best to utilise the time available for clinical work during training.