Research in psychiatric higher specialist training: a survey of specialist registrars

Abstract

Aims and MethodSpecialist registrars (SpRs) in psychiatry spend only 3 years in this grade, with 1 day a week allocated to research. In view of this sizeable proportion of time designated for research, we undertook a postal survey of the experiences of and attitudes towards research of SpRs in developmental psychiatry.ResultsA high proportion of respondents were involved in research at the time of the study, although half described difficulty starting and a third described difficulty taking the day. The majority of respondents believed research to be important and about three-quarters found it enjoyable.Clinical ImplicationsWhile research remains a mandatory part of training it is important that trainers ensure that research time is protected.