What can qualitative studies reveal about recruitment into psychiatry?

Studies examining recruitment problems in psychiatry have been mostly quantitative and limited in their ability to elucidate perceptions and day-to-day influences that may affect recruitment. This review aimed to identify factors on recruitment into psychiatry by appraising available qualitative studies.

The authors searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase using Health Database Advanced Search tool on NHS Evidence. Inclusion criteria were qualitative studies and English-language published papers. The authors appraised 10 qualitative studies and identified common themes.

The ten qualitative studies used thematic analysis, phenomenology, and narrative study methods. Populations studied were medical students, foundation doctors, residents/trainees, psychiatrists, and undergraduate psychiatry teachers from the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and Ghana. The studies highlighted importance of role models, mentorship, and supervision in improving recruitment. Additional factors included stigmatization in mental illness, satisfaction rates, interactive nature, and academic interest within psychiatry.

The appraised studies were limited in their number and methodology. More qualitative studies are needed to inform policy on recruitment into psychiatry.