Mindful of the gaps: enhancing psychiatry training through a trainee workshop

The aim of this study was to develop and pilot a workshop for basic trainees in psychiatry to address perceived gaps in the specialist training program and to foster a culture of mentorship.

A literature review and consultations with clinicians and managers determined interest in the workshop, preferences for content, and feasibility. Six psychiatrists met on several occasions to plan the workshop. Supervisors were surveyed prior to the workshop to ascertain their perceptions of their trainees' knowledge of particular topics and the content of supervision. Registrar self-evaluations and knowledge were assessed before and after the workshop.

Twenty-four registrars attended the first session of the workshop and 22 the second. Following the workshop, self-ratings of knowledge and confidence of trainees in topics including risk assessment and duty of care were significantly better. Registrars rated the program highly for collegiate interactions, format, originality and usefulness. Supervisors identified weaknesses in trainee knowledge corresponding to workshop topics.

Trainee self-evaluations of key aspects of clinical psychiatry improved significantly after the workshop. The development process described here for implementing a service-based initiative in psychiatry trainee education tailored to local needs may be transferable to other services.