How EFPT trainee-led cross-national research can change training in psychiatry

Abstract

Established in 2008, the Research Working Group of the European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees (EFPT) creates a platform for trainee-led collaborative studies. Several large-scale transnational studies on training-related subjects have been initiated and carried out, driven by psychiatry trainees. Examples of recent and ongoing projects are the Brain Drain study, which investigated migratory experiences and attitudes among trainees in Europe, and the TEO-PC project, which aims to raise awareness on UEMS Psychiatric competencies as well as to compile data on trainees’ experiences and satisfaction with their national training programs.Earlier projects leading to publications have looked into drug prescription habits of trainees [1,2] and the interactions trainees with pharmaceutical industry [3]. Besides these projects, EFPT yearly gathers reports from the representatives of the national trainees associations on the structure, content and conditions of psychiatry training in all member countries. The information obtained through these channels is used actively to guide and influence policy related to psychiatry training, through collaboration with relevant organizations involved in the creation of guidelines, and through the EFPT statements, which serve to empower trainees themselves.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.