scholarly journals Developing psychiatric resources for the new foundation programme curriculum

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S144-S145
Author(s):  
Drew Kinmond ◽  
Fiona Hynes ◽  
Aqib (Mohammad) Hussain

AimsOur aim was to develop an easily accessible, relevant and deliverable resource to meet the training requirements of the new foundation curriculum for Foundation Trainees in the West Midlands. The virtual resource needed to provide information at the correct knowledge depth, whilst also being flexible enough to allow trainees to access the materials despite the challenges of remote working. The West Midlands currently holds approximately 1,300 places for foundation training with an increase in numbers planned for 2023 and 2024.MethodThe United Kingdom Foundation Programme (FP) is a two-year structured, supervised training programme of learning in the workplace developed to prepare medical graduates for speciality training. The Foundation Curriculum is currently being updated in line with the GMC Standards for Post Graduate Curricula to reflect the developing and contemporaneous training needs of doctors and is expected to go live in August 2021.Though the foundation curriculum is broad and does not usually include specific diseases, it is recognised that mental health disorders are common and are frequently missed. The new curriculum makes a specific statement regarding the importance of mental health and specifies a syllabus covering this important area of medical practiceAround 80% of doctors are expected to have exposure to a community medicine placement, with around 40% expected to have placement within a specific mental health setting. Though other community placements may provide some exposure to the acute challenges of mental health, this is not guaranteed.To assist in meeting the FP requirement for training in mental health we developed an online resource for all West Midlands trainees, with lectures and information available that covers all of the core curriculum requirements for the FP. These resources can be accessed at any time of the day, at any point of foundation training, with each module certificated to show evidence of the attainment of foundation competencies ready for students ARCP (Annual Review of Competency Progression).ResultA programme of evaluation and effectiveness will be undertaken when the new curriculum goes live.ConclusionThere is an expected expansion in the number of training Foundation doctors within the next 5 years; therefore the demand for this training is expected to increase over time. As the understanding and awareness of the interaction between physical health and mental health continues to develop, we expected the use of this resource grow into the future.

1999 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 534-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijay Bhatti ◽  
Jeremy Kenney-Herbert ◽  
Rosemarie Cope ◽  
Martin Humphreys

Aims and methodA one-in-five random sample (n=104) of practitioners approved under Section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act 1983 in the West Midlands was selected. Opinions were sought on issues relating to current law and potential reform.ResultsEighty-three (80%) doctors were interviewed. Over half (52%) stated that the term ‘mental illness' in the Act was unsatisfactory. Two-thirds (68%) specified the need for a review of legislation relating to treatment in the community.Clinical implicationsThere was a diversity of views. This is likely to be reflected in the clinical practice of those interviewed. Many respondents believed that there was a need for reform in specific areas of the Act.


BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S151-S151
Author(s):  
Eleanor Parkinson ◽  
Fiona Hynes

AimsTo more fully understand the training experience of less than full time (LTFT) trainees working in psychiatry in the West Midlands Region with the aim of identifying areas that would improve the training experience.BackgroundLTFT training has grown in popularity since its formal introduction in 2007. The greater participation of women in medicine and generational changes in lifestyle expectations are some of the factors behind this trend. Approximately 13% of psychiatry trainees in the UK are training LTFT, bringing the benefit of allowing trainees to balance caring responsibilities or health conditions with continuing their postgraduate training. However it is not without its challenges for trainees which we aimed to explore in this survey.MethodAn electronic survey was sent out to all trainees via email, LTFT trainees of all training grades were invited to respond. Trainees were contacted in the five mental health trusts making up the region. The survey contained 32 questions that covered a range of topics including educational opportunities, perceived attitudes to LTFT trainees and training experience. Data were collected over a six month period in 2019. There were 22 responses to the survey region-wide.Result86% of respondents were working reduced sessions in full-time posts with implications for their clinical workload and 14% responded that their clinical contact time was not adjusted to reflect their working hours. 36% of respondents experienced difficulties attending their formal teaching programme while 82% had attended educational commitments on non-working days. 14% of respondents felt training LTFT did not allow them to meet training requirements while 23% would not recommend LTFT training in the West Midlands to others. Trainees cited difficulties managing a full time workload and not having support from supervisors as reasons for these views. 40% of respondents reported experiencing negative attitudes from seniors and 50% felt isolated from other trainees due to LTFT training status.ConclusionThe survey has developed our understanding of the challenges faced by LTFT trainees and it has been communicated regionally and to employing trusts to promote action. For example, at a trust level, the use of personalised work schedules can address some common difficulties. More effectively communicating sources of support to trainees, sharing best practice and providing networking opportunities are suggested as next steps regionally. New administrative processes to maintain an accurate list of LTFT trainees is vital in implementing this. Improving the information given to trainers is another development area.


2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
David William Perry ◽  
Carl Benton ◽  
Martin Walsh ◽  
David Martin ◽  
John Corbett

In 1989, a survey was undertaken to describe the learning disabled population, originating from the West Midlands, classified as mentally impaired or severely mentally impaired under the Mental Health Act 1983. The results obtained were then used to help guide future service development within the region. Given the marked changes in service provision over the subsequent decade, the study was repeated in 1998–1999, looking at the same population on 1st December 1997 (prior to the Bournewood Ruling). Attempts were made to identify all people residing within the West Midlands region, or originating from it, and classified as mentally impaired or severely mentally impaired under the Mental Health Act (1983). This was achieved by contacting medical records departments, learning disability consultants and Health Authorities. The same data set as the original study was then collected from case notes to allow comparison. The current study however, collected extra information, relating to diagnosis, treatment and outcome. Ninety-three people were identified for the study. Over the 10 years, there has been approximately a 100% increase in the numbers of people detained under these categories of the Mental Health Act (1983). There has been a marked increase in the use of the private sector, as well as out-of-region placements. Sexual offending seemed a common reason for detention. The authors attempt to explain this phenomenon. They also highlight the need for future developments and greater systematic data collection.


2001 ◽  
Vol 25 (10) ◽  
pp. 388-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laofe Ogundipe ◽  
Femi Oyebode ◽  
Amanda Knight

AIMS and MethodTo investigate the interpretation of Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 by Section 12(2) approved doctors and to describe a pathway that facilitates early assessment of people detained under Section 136. We surveyed a random sample of Section 12(2) approved doctors in the West Midlands.ResultsA response rate of 70% was achieved. Approximately 65% believe that it would be illegal to transfer a person under Section 136 from the police station to a further place of safety, such as hospital. Thirty-five per cent believed that this could be done legally or were unsure.Clinical ImplicationsAmbiguity still remains about the legal interpretations of the provisions of Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983, which needs to be rectified.


BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S189-S190
Author(s):  
Nidhi Gupta ◽  
Fiona Hynes

AimsThe aim of this survey was to find out how Speciality trainees used their special interest sessions, using multiple choice and open questionsBackgroundThe ST (Speciality Training) curriculum recognises that it is desirable that all higher trainees gain additional experiences that may not be available in their clinical placement. Two sessions every week must be devoted during each year of Speciality training for such personal development, which includes research or to pursue special interests. Special interest sessions are defined as “a clinical or clinically related area of service which cannot be provided within the training post but which is of direct relevance to the prospective career pathway of the trainee”. This experience must be appropriately managed, supervised and assessed.MethodWe conducted a survey of Speciality trainees in the West Midlands region across all psychiatric specialities using an online survey. The survey was open for one month period in January 2021 and reminders were sent intermittently. Following survey closure, quantitative data were analysed using Google Forms and Excel. Qualitative data were collated and reviewed to identify relevant themes.Result47 of the total 82 Speciality trainees in all psychiatric specialities including dual trainees responded. Maximum response rate was from General adult/Dual trainees who form the bulk of Speciality trainees. Most trainees discussed their special interest with their supervisors and included this in learning plans. 79% were able to have a weekly session. Most sessions were devoted to gaining additional clinical experience, medical education, gaining leadership competencies and completion of further post graduate qualifications. The majority of trainees chose special interest sessions in their own trust, however 45% had difficulty getting released from their clinical commitments. Trainees demonstrated evidence in their portfolio by reflection, WPBA and reflective notes. Trainees were positive about their experiences and requested more support to access sessions locally.ConclusionThe Future Doctor report (HEE 2020) recognised that our Future Doctors must have a broad range of generalist skills to meet the population needs, therefore it is essential that doctors in training are supported by trainers and trusts to access special interest sessions to ensure that they achieve a broad range of competencies. To signpost trainees we have developed a booklet advertising available opportunities for ST trainees and other services may wish to consider this.


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