Are psychiatric trainees who take on psychotherapy cases doing more or less research?: a survey of current involvement

Abstract

SUMMARY Postgraduate psychiatric training requires the trainee to develop experience in conducting research and treating patients psychotherapeutically. Concern has been expressed within the Royal College of Psychiatrists that it may be difficult for trainees to achieve a balance between these training requirements whilst attempting to continue their ordinary clinical duties. A questionnaire survey was conducted on psychiatric trainees at registrar level currently undergoing training within the South Thames (West) Regional rotational training scheme. The aim of the study was to determine whether trainees' activity in research and psychotherapy were related in any way. The results show that most trainees are able to successfully balance becoming involved in research with psychotherapy experience. There was no evidence that psychotherapy experience had a deleterious effect on research experience or vice versa.