Reflections on training in psychiatry

Abstract

Objective: There is limited information as to whether graduates from postgraduate specialist medical training programmes in Australia and New Zealand feel prepared for practice, and none regarding the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ (RANZCP) training programme. The aims of this study were: to assess the effectiveness of the RANZCP training programme in producing psychiatrists who feel prepared for their roles; and to obtain Fellowship applicants’ perceptions of the training programme. Methods: Applicants for Fellowship (i.e. trainees who had successfully completed RANZCP training) were invited to complete an anonymous online survey that assessed their preparedness for practice and their impressions of the training programme, supervision, training specialties and course content. Results: The response rate was 66% from 101 applicants. Fellowship applicants largely felt prepared for practice and had positive perceptions of the training programme. The majority stated that most of their learning goals were met, but continued training and ongoing learning was required. Areas for improvement included assessments, administration, the balance between service delivery and training, and ongoing training. Conclusions: Fellowship applicants largely felt confident in their ability to deliver psychiatric services and that the training programme was meeting their needs.