Improving Emergency Psychiatric Training Experience for Core Trainees in Southwest London

AIMS: To improve emergency psychiatry experience for Core Trainee doctors in Southwest London in accordance with the Royal College of Psychiatrists curriculum requirements. METHODS: A scoping questionnaire was sent to all core trainees over a 3-month period (February 2022-March 2022) regarding on-call commitments. This incorporated evaluation of emergency psychiatry experience which was provided through Crisis Assessment Team (CAT) on-call shifts. Direct responses were utilised in conjuncture with the feedback from the Junior Doctor Forum and engagement with trust senior management to promptly identify and implement alternative provision of this training need. This resulted in On-call Core Trainee emergency cover being changed from CAT to the Liaison service. A second questionnaire was then sent over a further 3-month period (November 2022-January 2023) to trainees participating in liaison shifts to evidence outcome. RESULTS: From the initial questionnaire a total of 93 responses were collected, with 19 from CAT shifts. Of these, 42.1% indicated they found it was useful in meeting the training need of emergency experience. 47.3% reported no assessments or admissions to the unit over the shift. From the second questionnaire a total of 22 responses were collected from liaison shifts. 77.3% reported the shift to have been useful in meeting the training need of emergency experience. 100% of respondents reported exposure to a wide range of emergency psychiatric presentations over their shift. 63.6% also reported feeling their confidence had improved in managing emergency psychiatric scenarios independently in the future. Overall, this showed a 35.2% increase in trainee satisfaction that their emergency psychiatric training need was being met following the change to on-call arrangements. CONCLUSION: Emergency Psychiatric experience is a curriculum requirement and is vital in preparing for higher training. Consultation with trainees has been used to drive change with evidence of improved exposure to emergency psychiatry, increased trainee satisfaction and enhanced clinical confidence. This has highlighted the benefit of involving trainees in devising provision of training opportunities in this trust and would be recommended in training schemes nationally.