Attitudes of psychiatrists in South Australia towards research degrees

The aim of this paper was to identify attitudes towards higher degrees by research (PhDs and Masters) among psychiatrists in South Australia, with the objective of identifying possible ways to increase the uptake of higher degrees in that population.

A survey questionnaire was designed, piloted and sent to all members of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in South Australia.

The response rate was 54.9% (n = 179). The sample included 99 individuals who had completed or considered completing a higher degree and 80 individuals who had not considered this. Responses to items were collated separately according to these two groups. Qualitative data were analysed thematically across the sample. Service demands, financial pressures and time constraints, along with a number of other factors including a lack of mentors and role models, were identified as issues in both quantitative and qualitative data.

A number of positive attitudes were expressed regarding higher degrees by research, but a number of negative opinions were also expressed. The study achieved its aim of identifying attitudes, but ways in which to increase higher degrees by research for psychiatrists remains an area for further exploration.