Trainee attitudes towards their training and its supervision

Objectives: To assess the experience and attitudes of trainees towards a range of aspects of their training in Psychiatry. Method: Between April and July 1995 a questionnaire was administered to all psychiatric trainees in the Eastern region of Ireland. Results: The response rate was 138 (80.2%). The demographics and career details of respondents are recorded, along with their attitudes to key areas of training. Of respondents 91% rated their training as 'adequate' or better, while 77% reported regular contact with a clinical tutor. 70% had received a formal induction at the start of training, but only 44% were receiving a regular supervision session with their consultant. Other key areas where trainees were dissatisfied with their training were in the areas of violence management and dealing with the experience of completed suicide. Conclusions: Trainees expressed high satisfaction levels with their overall training. Induction and individual supervision were two areas where standards were not being consistently met and which are important areas of potential improvement. A particular demand was noted for greater input in the areas of career planning, violence management and dealing with the aftermath of completed suicides.