Senior house officer training in liaison psychiatry – are College guidelines being implemented?

Abstract

Aims and MethodsTo determine whether the College guidelines in liaison psychiatry are being implemented, a survey of training opportunities at senior house officer (SHO) level was undertaken. A detailed postal survey was conducted in January 2000. Information was collected about the number and nature of SHO liaison psychiatry posts from a wide range of sources.ResultsNationally, 45.5 SHO posts in liaison psychiatry were identified. These were unevenly distributed, with a high number in London. Only five posts were available to general practitioner trainees. Nine regions anticipated an increase in training opportunities. Regional liaison representatives had incomplete knowledge of the availability of liaison training opportunities in their region.Clinical ImplicationsThe College guidelines to incorporate liaison experience into all training schemes have not been implemented. In four regions no training opportunities were identified whatsoever. A national database is needed to monitor training opportunities and inform further development of training posts.