Models of integrated training in psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry

Previous studies indicate declining interest in child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) as a career choice during psychiatry residency training. Programs have developed integrated training in psychiatry and CAP as a means to address the workforce shortage in CAP, but little is known about the number or nature of these training tracks.

A survey was conducted among all program directors of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited CAP residency training programs in the United States. Those reporting integrated training with their affiliated psychiatry training programs were contacted for in-depth interview. Integrated research programs were not included in this survey.

Of the 115 ACGME accredited CAP programs at the time of the survey, 93 responded and 33 of those indicated having some form of integrated training in psychiatry and CAP. Only seven programs identified residents in integrated training in the first year of residency.

There is no consensus regarding a definition of integrated psychiatry and CAP training. Even though integrated training may provide opportunities for recruitment and retention of child and adolescent psychiatrists, few programs currently offer fully integrated training. This article describes several potential models for integrated training tracks, identifying factors to consider when developing such pathways.