A study of the use of log books in the training of psychiatrists

Abstract

There is an increasing interest in the role of audit in medical practice. Less emphasis has been placed on audit by trainees and it has traditionally involved the use of log books or case books for examination purposes. One type of log book simply lists the diagnoses of consecutive cases seen. Such a record is used in the Viva part of the Examination for Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners. Another form of log book, often referred to as a case book, usually involves a more detailed account of the cases seen by the trainee. Case books form part of the Examination for Membership of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology as well as the MRANZCP and Canadian Psychiatric Examination.