Abstract
Aims and methodThis survey was commissioned and funded by the Department of Health to examine perceptions of training by flexible trainees in higher psychiatric training. A total of 214 trainees were surveyed using a postal questionnaire.ResultsOne hundred and thirty-five questionnaires were returned (response rate 63%). In general, flexible trainees valued the opportunity to train part-time and perceived the quality of their training to be high. However, there were drawbacks such as: perceived lack of status, restricted training opportunities and a lack of part-time consultant posts at the end of training.ImplicationsFlexible training plays a major role in maintaining doctors in the workforce. However, there is a need for part-time opportunities to extend beyond the training grades and into consultant posts.
Highlights
There is a need for part-time opportunities to extend beyond the training grades and into consultant posts
The study The Department of Health commissioned the Royal College of Psychiatrists to survey the perceptions and attitudes of trainees working on a flexible basis in higher specialist training in psychiatry
Funding did not extend to full-time trainees
Summary
One hundred and thirty-five questionnaires were returned (response rate 63%). In general, flexible trainees valued the opportunity to train part-time and perceived the quality of their training to be high. The study The Department of Health commissioned the Royal College of Psychiatrists to survey the perceptions and attitudes of trainees working on a flexible basis in higher specialist training in psychiatry. The 27 questions cov ered demography, reasons for, and perceptions of, flexible training and an open section for free coTmhme enCt o(lalecgoep'sy cDaenpbaretmobentatineodf frPoomstgAra. dDu.a).te Educational Services posted the questionnaire to all the 214 flexible trainees in higher training in psychiatry. All respondents were in favour of flexible and part-time working for consultants in psychiatry, and believed that far more opportunities should exist. Seventy per cent wanted to be employed in a part-time or flexible consultant post or were considering a job-share and for the majority (66%) this was so that they could continue to care for their children. Flexible training was viewed as positive, but several suggestions were made for improvements (see Appendix)
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