Views Of Trainees Research Articles

Comparison of training systems in Croatia and Slovenia: a trainee's view

Comparison of training systems in Croatia and Slovenia: a trainee's view

Is Psychiatry an Art or a Science? The Views of Psychiatrists and Trainees

It is generally considered by many practitioners that psychiatry is an art, that is, one of the humanities, as well as being a science. We systematically collected the views of practitioners and trainee psychiatrists regarding the question 'Is psychiatry an art or a science?' Eleven supervisors and nine trainees were interviewed and their responses analysed, using a qualitative method, the modified framework approach. Several themes emerged from the data: that 'art' and 'science' are different; psychiatry as a discipline is difficult to define; psychiatry demands a broader range of skills than other medical specialties; the relationship of psychology to psychiatry; supervisor cynicism to the 'science' of psychiatry; and the 'art' and 'science' of the assessment process. The tension that exists within the profession's identity as a discipline has important implications for teaching, learning, and clinical and research practices.

Is psychiatry an art or a science? The views of psychiatrists and trainees

Objective: It is generally considered by many practitioners that psychiatry is an art, that is, one of the humanities, as well as being a science. We systematically collected the views of practitioners and trainee psychiatrists regarding the question ‘Is psychiatry an art or a science?’ Method: Eleven supervisors and nine trainees were interviewed and their responses analysed, using a qualitative method, the modified framework approach. Results: Several themes emerged from the data: that ‘art’ and ‘science’ are different; psychiatry as a discipline is difficult to define; psychiatry demands a broader range of skills than other medical specialties; the relationship of psychology to psychiatry; supervisor cynicism to the ‘science’ of psychiatry; and the ‘art’ and ‘science’ of the assessment process. Conclusions: The tension that exists within the profession's identity as a discipline has important implications for teaching, learning, and clinical and research practices.

Training and patient safety.

Abstract Patient Safety Leading Article Series, 2004 Over the rest of 2004 BJS will publish a series of leading articles dealing with issues of patient safety. A personal view of the matter was sought from the perspective of a trainee, Paul Thorpe, British trained but currently working in Australia. The trainee's view, sadly but typically, tends to come last—but not this time. Paul's article starts off the series. He notes that hospitals lag behind the airline industry and it is fitting, therefore, that the second paper is by Manfred Müller of Lufthansa.

Exploring the link, among small firms, between management training and firm performance: a comparison between the UK and other OECD countries

Small firms are much less likely than large firms to provide their employees and their managers with formal training. Storey and Westhead offer two explanations of this, which they refer to as the ‘ignorance’ explanation and the ‘market’ explanation. This paper reviews recent research findings that increasingly point towards support for the ‘market’ over the ‘ignorance’ explanation. While it has a policy interest in the UK, the paper draws comparisons with five other OECD countries: Canada, Finland, Germany, Japan and the USA. The paper shows that there is ambiguity in the evidence relating management training to small firm performance. When the views of trainees are sought, public programmes appear to be well received. However, econometric methods linking training participation to small firm performance produce weak findings. This suggests that the relatively low take up of formal management training is an informed decision on the part of the small firm owner/manager. It implies that seeking to increase formal small firm training activity by raising the awareness of owners/managers to the benefits of training is misguided.

Psychology Training Directors' Views of Trainees' Readiness to Practice Independently.

When are psychology trainees ready to practice independently? This question has been debated extensively during the past few years. To contribute to this debate, a national survey of training directors of academic programs, predoctoral internships, and postdoctoral fellowships was conducted. The study explored training directors' views regarding the examinations and supervisory hours necessary to become an independent practitioner. The study found that training directors were divided in their opinions of when trainees are competent to practice independently. Academic training directors believed that trainees are ready for independent practice earlier in the training sequence than internship and postdoctoral training directors. The implications for conflicting views are discussed.

Training and education: what is in it for the trainees?

The history of medical education and training has constantly recognised the need for formal and structured training programmes. In spite of this it is only in the 1990s that moves have been made to properly address this problem. In the end it has been the reduction of trainees' hours that has made us stand up and look at how to provide ‘specialist’ training. This review looks at past and present practices for training and is supported by the views of recent trainees. The future is radically different to the past but it remains to be seen whether it is better.

Trainee clinical psychologists' views on recruitment to work with older people

For some time in Britain, it has been difficult to recruit clinical psychologists and other health professionals to work with older people. This pattern of under-recruitment has also been reported in other countries. With the growing number of older people in western societies, the issue of under-recruitment warrants further attention. This research reported here aimed to explore this issue among the next generation of clinical psychologists: those currently training. Questionnaires were posted to 25 of the clinical psychology training courses in the United Kingdom, and 371 trainees returned questionnaires. Among the questions posed, the trainees were asked to set down their thoughts as to why it might be difficult to recruit to the older adult specialty and how recruitment could be improved. The results suggest that many trainees believe that clinical psychology, despite many recent advances, has less to offer older people than other age groups. The responses contain evidence of both ageism and the fear of ageing and death. To improve recruitment into the older adult specialty of clinical psychology, the predominant recommendations were for good quality placements and teaching during training, as well as a need for improved marketing by clinical psychologists working in this specialty, and also for improved support, terms and conditions.

In-training assessment for specialist registrars: views of trainees and trainers in the Mersey Deanery.

Annual review of specialist registrars and production of a record of in-training assessment (RITA) is a mandatory component of training that has attracted criticism. Mersey Deanery has established a system of review that includes wider evaluation of the trainee's needs and of training requirements. We conducted a survey to ascertain whether this broadened review process was thought beneficial. In one year 1093 questionnaires were distributed to trainees and trainers. 605 (81%) of 744 trainees and 309 (89%) of 349 trainers responded. At least 89% of both groups said that the procedure had been effective in reviewing the previous year and the most recent post and in identifying training requirements. More than 90% rated the overall process positively. Trainees particularly appreciated the advice on future training, on careers and on research. This form of review is expensive in consultant time but was valued by both trainees and trainers.

In-training assessment for specialist registrars: views of trainees and trainers in the Mersey Deanery

Annual review of specialist registrars and production of a record of in-training assessment (RITA) is a mandatory component of training that has attracted criticism. Mersey Deanery has established a system of review that includes wider evaluation of the trainee's needs and of training requirements. We conducted a survey to ascertain whether this broadened review process was thought beneficial. In one year 1093 questionnaires were distributed to trainees and trainers. 605 (81%) of 744 trainees and 309 (89%) of 349 trainers responded. At least 89% of both groups said that the procedure had been effective in reviewing the previous year and the most recent post and in identifying training requirements. More than 90% rated the overall process positively. Trainees particularly appreciated the advice on future training, on careers and on research. This form of review is expensive in consultant time but was valued by both trainees and trainers.

Behavioural psychotherapy training for nurses in Australia: a trainee's view.

The training and outcomes for a mental health nurse, who completed a 6-month nurse behavioural psychotherapy course at Flinders Medical Centre (Bedford Park, South Australia) is described. Completion of this course enabled the nurse to work mainly with pathological gamblers as a trainee nurse behaviour therapist. Her experience demonstrates that with appropriate training and supervision, mental health nurses are able to increase their knowledge base in specialist areas and gain skills in therapies that will allow them to work autonomously with clients. A brief description of the training, outcome of patient case management and skills acquisition achieved through training is presented.

Views of Psychiatrists and Trainees on Drug Company Involvement in CME Activities

Objective: To report the views of Australasian Psychiatry readers about pharmaceutical industry involvement in CME activities. Method: A discussion paper and fax-back survey form in a previous issue of Australasian Psychiatry sought views on specific areas of possible risk and several different strategic approaches which may be taken. Results: 182 responses were received from a wide cross section of College Fellows. Views on our current strategy (prohibition) were highly polarised and weakly associated with gender, years since fellowship and state. There was strong support for declaration, engagement and education strategies. Conclusions: There is much concern about the issue. Declaration, engagement and education strategies should be further developed.

Trainee views on active problems and issues in UK psychiatry

Aims and MethodA questionnaire sent to trainees in three regions of the UK asked them which current issues they felt were most important in psychiatry. Comments were invited of ways to improve the UK practice of psychiatry.ResultsTrainees from each of the regions were concerned about inadequate resourcing, public expectations, manpower and quality of training. Solutions to these problems were collated.Clinical ImplicationsThe opinion of trainees reflects the recent initiatives undertaken by the Royal College of Psychiatrists to improve recruitment and retention. Consultants and trainees have similar concerns, which need to be addressed and monitored at a local and national level.

General surgery and fellowship training: Opinions of surgical intern applicants and fellowship directors

Background: Given the pressures that exist today to modify surgical training programs, this study was undertaken to ascertain the opinions of surgical intern applicants and fellowship program directors with regard to the length of surgical training. Methods: Surveys were sent to fourth-year medical students who were applying for categorical surgical training during a 2-year period at a single university medical center and to fellowship program directors in 6 surgical subspecialties. Results: Ninety-three percent of the applicants planned to pursue fellowship training. Sixty-eight percent of the applicants did not feel that 5 years of general surgery are necessary before beginning a fellowship. Seventy-one percent of the applicants indicated that they would be willing to “short track” into a subspecialty to reduce training time. Virtually all fellowship directors in pediatric surgery (94%), transplantation surgery (94%), and oncologic surgery (100%) felt that 5 years of general surgery training are necessary before entering a fellowship. Significantly fewer fellowship directors in vascular surgery (53%), cardiothoracic surgery (30%), and plastic surgery (17%) felt that 5 years of general surgery are essential before beginning a fellowship (P ≤.001). Conclusions: For some general surgery subspecialties, a shortened, integrated training program may be desirable from the point of view of both trainees and fellowship directors. Vascular, cardiothoracic, and plastic surgery appear to be those subspecialties that are most amenable to such programs. (Surgery 2000:127:14-8.)

CORRESPONDENCEWorking with complex casesPost-qualification training and developmentWhat mugs!Mental impairment and sexual expressionChanging roles: the views of trainees and recent graduatesDiet coke and professionalism

CORRESPONDENCEWorking with complex casesPost-qualification training and developmentWhat mugs!Mental impairment and sexual expressionChanging roles: the views of trainees and recent graduatesDiet coke and professionalism

Changing roles: the views of trainees and recent graduates

Changing roles: the views of trainees and recent graduates

Initial Teacher Training in the Post‐reform Period: a sample of student opinion in England and France

Courses of initial teacher training have recently undergone profound changes in England and France. In both countries, radical reform has swept away traditional models of practice, replacing them by systems in which schools play an increased role in the training and assessment of students and in which a new emphasis has been placed on the practicalities of teaching. In the turbulent aftermath of these reforms, how do trainees see the new programmes that aim to equip them with the necessary skills and attributes to become successful entrants to the teaching profession? This article compares and analyses the views of English and French trainees in the final months of their respective courses and identifies key areas of similarity and difference between the two systems.

A survey of the views of trainees in psychiatry regarding religious issues

Although 94% of Americans believe in God, little is known about the religiosity of psychiatric residents and the role of religion in residents’ practice. We aimed to determine residents’ perceptions about (1) the importance of knowledge of religious beliefs, practices and priority of psychotherapy, psychopharmacology and general medical patients and (2) the relative difficulty religious issues presented compared with race, age, gender and sexuality. All psychiatric trainees in one training program during two academic years were surveyed (n = 96). The 38 respondents (40%) reported a substantial degree of religiosity [high belief (74%), high practise (50%), high priority (71%)]. Significantly more residents reported that it was more important to know about the religiosity of psychotherapy patients than of psychopharmacology or general medical patients. Race was the only issue that the majority of residents reported as presenting more difficulty than religion. In conclusion, the subgroup of residents who responded to the survey were more religious than expected, based on previous surveys of psychiatrists. They clearly differentiated psychotherapy patients from others when considering the importance of religion. That residents viewed religion to be a challenging issue underlines the need for further training and clinical focus on religion.

Competencies for Part II of the examination for membership of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine

The assessment of competence is of growing importance in modern educational theory. This paper reports the results of a study to investigate the views of Part II examiners and public health trainees about whether an agreed list of competencies for the practice of public health medicine could be determined. A postal questionnaire was sent to Part II examiners and representatives of the Trainee Members Committee of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine. A total of 90 questionnaires were sent. Seventy per cent of Part II examiners and 70 per cent of the Trainee Members Committee returned questionnaires. There was a high degree of consensus amongst respondents that most of the skills listed in the Faculty Handbook as being necessary for the completion of training should form core competencies for the Part II examination. Sections of the syllabus dealing with epidemiology and disease prevention were also seen as core competencies. There was less support for the assessment of attitudes or other sections of the Handbook syllabus. The written reports and oral examination were seen as being complementary, with respondents listing different competencies as being appropriately assessed by the two methods. There was little support for the introduction of a standardized skills examination. This is the first study to assess the face validity of possible components for the Part II examination using the views of both trainees and Part II examiners. This could form the first step to the introduction of an agreed set of competency areas into the examination.

Technical and vocational education and training in the Philippines: experience and views of trainees

Aims to bring a new angle to, in fact to complete the triangle of, industrial training studies, which have focused on training institutions and the firms. The third angle, the trainees, has often been neglected, appearing only as figures, enrolment, drop‐outs, graduates, etc. A comprehensive policy on industrial training would be incomplete without appraising experience of trainees and taking their views seriously. Examines research based on three surveys among potential, current and past trainees. The experience and views of the trainees should be taken as a major parameter in technical and vocational education (TVET) strategy, planning and programme implementation. Finds that trainees have expressed clear views on the relevance of the TVET programmes they have attended/are attending, and on the quality of public and private training. Findings of the surveys have some relevance to labour market policy, specifically on mobility, labour turnover, labour market information and employment of women.