P03-568 - Doctors’ recruitment in psychiatry - possible causes and solutions

Abstract

The psychiatry is a relatively new field of medicine, which appeared because of the society's demands in taking care of a specific group of patients. These needs still exist and some studies showed that the demand for psychiatrists (Workforce NHS), or at least for psychiatric services (Vernon, 2009), will grow, above all also in developing countries (Patel, 2009).Concern about recruitment and retention of psychiatrists is longstanding.Purpose of this study was the evaluation of studies and data related with recruitment issues. Method consist in analysis of data published related with this topic and trying to find the causes and the ways to improve the actual situation.ResultsWas remarqued the insufficient representation of psychiatrists in the physician workforce throughout the world (Rao, 2003) and the increasing number of unoccupied vacancies in psychiatry (Brokington, 2002). Most developing countries need to increase and improve training of mental health professionals. Once trained, these professionals should be encouraged to remain in their country in positions that make the best use of their skills.ConclusionsRecruitment in psychiatry remain a problem, strongly related with definition of identity of psychiatrists and with community view regarding this need of taking care for this category of patients.