The Medical Training Initiative scheme in forensic psychiatry: reflections on training and practice in the UK and Nigeria

Abstract

The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Medical Training Initiative (MTI) enables qualified foreign-trained psychiatrists to gain further experience within the UK National Health Service (NHS). This article summarises the observations of two Nigerian psychiatrists during their forensic psychiatry placements on the MTI scheme and two of their UK supervisors. It discusses similarities and differences between Nigeria and the UK in forensic psychiatry, including the use of mental health legislation, the scope of forensic psychiatry and elements of the pathway to qualification in both countries. It concludes with recommendations that could improve the robustness of the MTI scheme.