A survey of academic provision for old age psychiatry in the UK and Ireland

Abstract

Aims and MethodThis paper reports the findings of a 1999 survey of academic old age psychiatry staffing and teaching in UK and Irish medical schools.ResultsJust over half had staff established at the level of senior lecturer or above. These schools devoted more time to undergraduate teaching, covered more topics and used a wider range of teaching methods.Clinical ImplicationsThere is a need for further academic development in old age psychiatry to drive the development of the speciality, and to ensure that all medical undergraduates receive an adequate training in this subject area.