MRCPsych courses: the national picture

Abstract

Aims and methodMRCPsych courses are a mandatory part of training for psychiatric trainees, yet relatively little is known about them. A questionnaire was devised and sent to all course organisers in the UK.ResultsThirty courses were identified. There was large variation in nearly all areas of content and delivery of courses, including cost, number of hours of teaching, size of course and organisation. Implementation of the College requirements in terms of service user and carer involvement was patchy.Clinical implicationsThese courses are costly in terms of both time and money, and individuals involved in psychiatric training must be able to demonstrate that they are of a high quality and have been properly evaluated. Suggestions to improve the running of these courses include: the exchange of information among the different courses; a database of courses; and some uniformity in the appointment of those in charge of the course.