Perceptions of psychiatry residents and non-residents on training needs and care related to patients with intellectual disability and mental health problems: A study from Singapore

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground: People with intellectual disability (ID) have higher risk of mental morbidity and specialised training may be required in their management. We explored the training needs and knowledge as well as perceptions of care of such patients among residents and non-residents working in psychiatry.Method: The study was conducted as an anonymous survey. Questionnaires were sent to all residents and non-residents at a large psychiatric hospital in Singapore.Results: Forty-eight out of the 76 questionnaires sent out were returned. All participants responded that postgraduate training was required in the area of ID and mental health and according to the majority, available training was inadequate. Over 90% believed that people with ID were vulnerable to exploitation and they should be under a specialist team.Conclusion: Efforts should be made to include specialist training in psychiatry of ID in the Singapore psychiatry curriculum to enhance the knowledge and expertise of psychiatrists in this field.