Kongara Swapna, Tamworth Millie, Gibbons Rachel
Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK.
Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK.
BJPsych Bull. 2025 Oct;49(5):307-314. doi: 10.1192/bjb.2024.80.
This study aimed to explore the experiences and support requirements of psychiatrists undergoing investigations within their mental health organisation. An anonymous online survey was distributed to all non-training psychiatrists registered as members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Of the 815 psychiatrists who responded to the survey, 287 (35%) had been investigated. The majority (76%) were unaware of the concerns before being notified, 36% lacked understanding and 62% experienced timeline deviations. Furthermore, 34% had concerns over conflicts of interest, with 52% perceiving the investigation as unfair, 62% were not informed of their rights. Many respondents reported feeling isolated and lacking support and experienced significant psychological distress, such as symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Suggestions for improvement included better communication, transparency, impartiality, adherence to timelines, proactive support and oversight, and opportunities for learning and reparation post-investigation.
Mental health service providers should recognise the multifaceted nature of complaints and provide comprehensive support and guidance to psychiatrists undergoing investigations.
本研究旨在探索在心理健康机构接受调查的精神科医生的经历和支持需求。一项匿名在线调查被分发给所有注册为皇家精神科医学院成员的非培训精神科医生。
在815名回复调查的精神科医生中，287名（35%）曾接受调查。大多数人（76%）在收到通知之前并不知晓相关问题，36%缺乏理解，62%经历了时间线偏差。此外，34%对利益冲突存在担忧，52%认为调查不公平，62%未被告知其权利。许多受访者表示感到孤立无援且缺乏支持，并经历了严重的心理困扰，如创伤后应激障碍症状。改进建议包括更好的沟通、透明度、公正性、遵守时间线、积极的支持与监督，以及调查后学习和补救的机会。
心理健康服务提供者应认识到投诉的多面性，并为接受调查的精神科医生提供全面的支持和指导。
