Part-time training: will it lead to part-time consultant?

Abstract

Aims and MethodTo determine the preference of flexible trainees in psychiatry for consultant posts. A questionnaire survey was conducted among all flexible trainees in psychiatry in the West Midlands Region.ResultsThe overall response rate was 19 out of 21 (90%). The majority 15 out of 19 (68%) hoped to gain such a post at the end of their training. Of those wanting a consultant post, 15 of the 19 (79%) would only consider working part-time. If such a parttime consultant post was not available, 12 of the15 (80%) said they would considera non-career grade post.Clinical ImplicationsIn the West Midlands Region there has been an exponential growth in the number of flexible trainees. Approximately a third are within psychiatry alone and most wish to continue flexible working patterns as consultants. This has major workforce planning implications for the future.