Peer-reviewed article

An Evaluation of Core Trainees’ Views on Clinical Rotations in the West Yorkshire Psychiatry Training Scheme

Laud R, Isaacs T, Elisha-Aboh C, Leung D · 7 Jul 2023

Abstract

Aims Gathering honest feedback on experiences of clinical rotations is vital to allow improvement of training. However, our current local systems lack anonymity, which may lead to reduced confidence in providing honest views. Aim: To provide trainees with a method of giving honest and protected feedback to improve future training posts. Methods A Survey Monkey feedback form which was sent to core trainees across West Yorkshire in July 2022. This allowed feedback for up to 6 rotations, meaning those finishing CT3 could retrospectively review all their placements. The data were analysed by the project leads, grouped into themes, and anonymised. Results We received responses for a total of 57 posts from 23 core trainees (total trainees July 2022 = 71), some of whom responded for multiple posts. Types of posts reviewed included: General Adult (40.4%), Older Adult (24.6%), Child and Adolescent Mental Health (8.8%), Forensics (7%), Learning Disability (5.3%) and Psychotherapy/Liaison (3.5%). 10.5% of responses did not specify the speciality.Overall, respondents strongly recommended 51.8% (n=29) and recommended 12.5% (n=7) of posts to other trainees. Respondents strongly did not recommend 5.3% (n=3) and did not recommend 1.8% (n=1) of posts to other trainees. Positive themes included having a range of experiences and a supportive team. Trainees valued having a range of cases with appropriate autonomy. They liked having a job that was busy enough to gain the required experience but not too busy to impede training and learning opportunities. An accessible and supportive supervisor who provided regular supervision with completion of work based placed assessments was also important.Negative themes included lack of regular supervision and heavy workload, which impacted a trainee's ability to attend teaching and participate in other aspects of professional development. Feedback for inpatient posts suggested that physical health obligations sometimes limited training opportunities. Conclusion Our results have shown that training needs are varied between trainees. It is therefore important that trainees have honest discussions with their supervisors about their needs and areas for development. Overall, trainees would recommend the majority (64.3%) of posts reviewed, however areas for improvement were highlighted. These may include extra training opportunities and increased physical health support. The main limitation of our evaluation was the low survey uptake (32.4%) in comparison to total trainee numbers. We hope that sharing our findings with both trainers and trainees will improve future responses.