Recruitment, retention, satisfaction and stress in child and adolescent psychiatrists

Abstract

Aims and Method A postal survey was sent to all consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists in the UK and Eire examining recruitment, retention, job satisfaction and job stress. Results A response was received from 333 (60%) child and adolescent psychiatrists. Sixty-one per cent indicated their service was inadequately resourced and 89% reported that their service failed to meet the College's minimum staffing requirements. Safe access to in-patient beds was not available to 71%. One hundred and thirty vacant posts were identified. Rates of psychological distress and burnout were high. Adequate services and the presence of a close, supportive colleague were associated with higher rates of satisfaction and lower rates of psychological distress and emotional exhaustion. Clinical Implications A multi-faceted approach is suggested and recommendations are described under the headings of self-management, training, recruitment and commissioning.