Psychotherapy training for psychiatrists: an exploratory study of its impact on training, attitudes, and clinical care

Abstract

ABSTRACT The introduction of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education International (ACGME-I) psychiatry residency in Singapore heralded unprecedented changes, including the inclusion of psychotherapy training. This study aims to examine the impact of psychotherapy training in residents compared to non-residents, who did not undergo formal psychotherapy training. This exploratory mixed-method study integrates data from a survey measuring self-rated competencies in psychotherapy (n=56) and focus-group discussions (n=10). Residents were more confident in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT: Cohen’s d 0.07 to 0.89) and psychodynamic therapy (PDP: Cohen’s d 0.61 to 1.11). Supervision and competing demands between service and training were cited as factors influencing learning experience. Further evaluation of the impact on patient care will strengthen understanding of psychotherapy on clinical outcomes.