Reflections on training in psychiatry.

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.