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

Abstract

Aims and MethodA postal survey was sent to all consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists in the UK and Eire examining recruitment, retention, job satisfaction and job stress.ResultsA 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 ImplicationsA multi-faceted approach is suggested and recommendations are described under the headings of self-management, training, recruitment and commissioning.