Psychiatry Residents’ Experiences with Systems-Based Practice: A Qualitative Survey

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze qualitative data collected during field-testing of an instrument to assess psychiatric residents' experiences with systems-based practice (SBP). A total of 237 psychiatry residents from 6 levels of training in 12 different psychiatry residency training programs responded to a 60-item instrument measuring their experiences with SBP during residency. Qualitative techniques adapted from content analysis were used to review narrative responses to open-ended questions on the instrument. Certain themes emerged in the residents' answers reflecting their opinions about the opportunities for (and barriers to) performing SBP in their work. Psychiatric residents express an eagerness for opportunities to learn about and perform SBP but often feel constrained by the lack of resources, teaching, and supervision. Moreover, many residents desire a better understanding of healthcare economics and how to factor cost consideration into clinical care.