Media and the College

D I Khoosal

doi:10.1192/pb.25.10.394

Abstract

I became a Divisional Public Education Officer (DPEO) for the College's External Affairs Department in 1990. My first media training day was most informative. I learned how to disseminate information; how to inform journalists about issues pertinent on the day; and ways to challenge stigma. I learned that it was safest to assume that most journalists do not usually understand the complexity of mental health issues. The health correspondent for the BBC at the time showed how adequate preparation – making written information available in a helpful question and answer format – and development of personal relationships with journalists through understanding how they work, their deadlines, pressures, etc., are important factors in trying to do the job properly. I also learned the golden rule: never say anything off the record.

Highlights

Finding the Evidence aims to provide busy clinicians with access to the best available secondary research evidence dealing with children and adolescents
It combines a list of available evidence on a wide range of subjects relating to children's mental health with a simple guide to searching for research evidence.This book represents the first step in a range of initiatives to improve clinicians' access to evidence, and is available on-line
Current plans are to update the resource on an annual basis in hard copy and every 6 months on the website: http:// w w w.rcpsych.ac.uk /publications /gaskell /50_1.htm

Summary

Introduction

Finding the Evidence aims to provide busy clinicians with access to the best available secondary research evidence dealing with children and adolescents. It combines a list of available evidence on a wide range of subjects relating to children's mental health with a simple guide to searching for research evidence.This book represents the first step in a range of initiatives to improve clinicians' access to evidence, and is available on-line. I learned that it was safest to assume that most journalists do not usually understand the complexity of mental health issues.

Results

Conclusion