6 results
Barriers to Choosing Psychiatry as a Career in Pakistani Medical Students and Junior Doctors – Survey Study
- Raja Adnan Ahmed, Samrah Zahid, Bisma Shahab
-
- Journal:
- BJPsych Open / Volume 9 / Issue S1 / July 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 07 July 2023, pp. S42-S43
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Aims
In a majority of low and middle-income countries, the mental health system is weakened due to poor resources as well as poorer recruitment and retention rates in psychiatry among junior doctors. The present study utilizes a mixed-methods approach to explore the factors associated with low recruitment and retention of junior doctors in Psychiatry.
MethodsThis study utilized an online survey administered among medical students and postgraduate trainees in psychiatry in Pakistan. The survey was open for 5 weeks for data collection from Nov 21st to Dec 31st, 2022. The survey was distributed conveniently using social media platforms and supplemented by snowball sampling procedures. This survey explored common myths about mental illness and psychiatrists using close-ended questions. Open-ended questions were asked to probe the participants on solutions to improve recruitment into psychiatry be improved.
ResultsA total of 103 responses were received on the online survey, with the majority (83, 80%) of respondents being females. A majority (66, 64%) of respondents were medical students and 37 (36%) were junior doctors. Most responses were received from the two largest government sector medical universities in Karachi Pakistan, Jinnah Sindh Medical University (67%) & Dow University of Health Sciences (23%).
A total of 62 (60%) respondents reported a lack of exposure to Psychiatry in medical students, to make it a career choice. A larger proportion 57 (55%) felt working in Psychiatry can affect their own mental health. A total of 43 (40%) were not sure if Psychiatry is fulfilling enough as a career and 58 (56%) felt that job satisfaction in psychiatry is difficult to achieve. Around 60% were concerned that mental health conditions are chronic and enduring psychiatrists may not have many options for treatment. In open-ended responses, several common themes emerged. Most respondents commented about their lack of exposure to psychiatry as medical students, which accounts for their reluctance to choose Psychiatry.
ConclusionPsychiatry forms a very limited part of the medical school curriculum and students' placements. Myths and stigma around mental illness can lead to low recruitment in Psychiatry and stigma can be challenged with more exposure to psychiatry during medical university years. Early medical study years have an influence on career choice and Psychiatry should be introduced relatively early as clinical placement. Psychiatry conferences, seminars and workshops on the local and national level can help in inspiring Medical students and junior doctors.
Learning Needs Assessment of Multidisciplinary Staff Working Within the Memory Assessment Services – Survey Study
- Hafeesa Sameem, Raja Adnan Ahmed
-
- Journal:
- BJPsych Open / Volume 8 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 20 June 2022, pp. S33-S34
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Aims
To assess the learning needs of the memory team multidisciplinary (MDT) staff working in South East Wales, in relation to diagnosis of dementia, types of dementia, anti-dementia medications and risk associated with dementia.
MethodsAn online anonymised survey was designed and distributed via email among memory team MDT staff of 3 different health boards of the South East Wales area which included Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
The survey was designed to gather information about their understanding of the common type of dementia, treatment with medication, indications and cautions related to medications, the potential side effects and risks associated with Dementia. The survey had a mixture of `Likert Scale` format with free text segments where their opinion was sought in their own words.
ResultsTwenty-one (21) staff members responded to the survey. The majority (16) were psychiatric nurses, rest were psychologists and support workers.
Thirteen (13) staff members reported they feel confident in identifying subtypes of dementia whereas the rest reported they can benefit from additional knowledge. Majority of staff felt they understood the indications of anti-dementia medication side effects of medications and risks associated with Dementia but do not fully understand the contra-indications and cautions related to anti-dementia medications.
Participants suggested that regular teaching, lectures and updates should be arranged especially targeting the diagnostic criteria, medication and risk assessment. Sessions providing bite-size information on a regular basis to build on their knowledge base were suggested.
Participants also suggested shadowing doctors and consultants in memory clinics as a useful tool to improve their knowledge base.
ConclusionMDT staff working with memory teams are at the front line of screening, assessments and providing help and treatment to patients and their families. It is important to make sure our staff are equipped with evidence-based accurate knowledge and training.
This survey study indicated that MDT staff working within the memory team appreciate more training and helped identify the specific areas and mode of teaching required.
Prescription of medication may be seen as a doctor's responsibility but we need to ensure our MDT staff has up to date knowledge of types of medications used, their indications, contra-indications, monitoring requirements, and side effects.
Regular teaching, online modules and experience of shadowing with doctor's clinics should be offered to all the MDT staff.
GP Trainees' perceptions and experiences of the training placement in Psychiatry - A qualitative study
- Raja Adnan Ahmed, Rugiyya Saeed, Michal Tombs
-
- Journal:
- BJPsych Open / Volume 7 / Issue S1 / June 2021
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 18 June 2021, p. S232
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Aims
This qualitative study aims to explore the leaning needs of the GP trainees for their psychiatry placements.
MethodIn this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews of eight former GP trainees were conducted. Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Triangulation through multiple analysts” was used to improve the validity of the study
ResultThis study identified six key areas of learning needs for GP trainees during their psychiatry placement. i) the on-call experience which enabled the participants to learn how to manage acutely unwell patients in psychiatry, ii) learning the self-harm and suicidal risk assessment which is an important skill for a GP practising in primary care, iii) training in relation to psychiatric medication which enabled GPs to prescribe more confidently in the community, iv) exposure to the community psychiatry which was helpful in getting exposure to community-based clinical practice, v) learning from formal teaching activities which can be tailored to cover the relevant primary care related clinical topics and finally, vi) getting the opportunity to improve the communications skills during the psychiatry placement which is useful for all doctor in training.
ConclusionWe recommend that detailed induction of the service setup is required before GP trainees start on-calls and a well-defined support network should be provided and explained to the training doctors. Risk assessment teaching should be delivered by formal training, regular supervision and discussions. Training on psychiatric medication especially in the context of GP prescribing should be considered as part of formal teaching experience. Opportunities to work with community mental health teams and outpatient clinics should be generated and offered to the trainees. Formal teaching sessions should be set up with an understanding of the GP training curriculum and their learning needs. Improvement of communications skills with exposure to difficult communication scenarios under supervision during psychiatric placement should be identified as an important area of learning for the GP trainees.
Trainees' perspective on the best use of supervision-hour in psychiatry training – a qualitative study
- Raja Adnan Ahmed, Mohamed Bader, Mohamed Flensham
-
- Journal:
- BJPsych Open / Volume 7 / Issue S1 / June 2021
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 18 June 2021, p. S122
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Aims
This study aims to identify the techniques to improve the quality of the weekly one to one supervision for Psychiatry trainees.
MethodAn open-ended online questionnaire was prepared using principles of critical incident technique and distributed among psychiatry trainees working in various deaneries within the UK. The participants were asked to describe an example of a good and a bad supervision experience they had encountered during their training. In addition, participants were also requested to make suggestions to improve the supervision experience. All qualitative data were analysed using the thematic analysis approach, to identify common themes.
ResultA total of 53 trainees working in various deaneries across England and Wales, responded to the questionnaire. The respondents were at a different level of training in psychiatry from CT1-ST6 level. The supervision hour was reported to be useful for clinical case discussions, reflection on difficult cases and situations, pastoral support and wider issues relating to personal and professional development. Trainees appreciated a holistic scope for supervision rather than a narrow discussion of management of cases.
Trainees reported that the supervision hour should be trainee-led and tailored according to their unique learning needs. Participants also saw supervision hour as a safe space where they can receive constructive criticism and feedback on their performance. At times, trust and genuineness were appreciated, as well as the use of an informal tone by the supervisor. An effective supervision leads to trainees feeling valued.
ConclusionTrainees acknowledged that the supervision hour is an effective tool in psychiatry training. Trainees should get regular, protected and uninterrupted time with consultants for weekly supervisions. Both trainees and trainers need to develop a better understanding of how this supervision experience could be improved and tailored to the individual learning needs of the trainee.
Attitudes of medical students towards psychiatry and mental illnesses: a cross-sectional study from Pakistan
- Mishal Fatima, Raja Adnan Ahmed, Muhammad Hamza, Syed Muhammad Jawad Zaidi, Hassan Nadeem, Mehwish Kaneez
-
- Journal:
- BJPsych Open / Volume 7 / Issue S1 / June 2021
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 18 June 2021, pp. S303-S304
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Aims
The increasing burden of mental disorders coupled with the social stigmatization in Pakistan is an immense barrier in combating the emerging mental health crisis. The low number of qualified psychiatrists and poor intake in post-graduate psychiatry training programs in the region further complicates the problem. Thus, our study aims to assess the attitudes of Pakistani medical students towards psychiatry. Furthermore, we also aim to evaluate how experience and different levels of exposure to psychiatry among students affect their attitudes towards psychiatry as a career choice.
MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted via an online survey made on Google Forms. A total of 831 medical students studying across various private and public medical institutions of Pakistan responded to the survey. The questionnaire comprised of demographical details (gender, age, institution, and academic year) exposure to psychiatry, duration of psychiatry rotation, and personal experience with mental illness. The attitudes of medical students towards psychiatry were evaluated using the English version of the 30-item Attitudes Towards Psychiatry (ATP-30) scale. Chi-square test and multiple regression with backward method were used to analyze the data.
ResultThe Cronbach's alpha value of the ATP-30 scale was 0.830. The participants in our study had a mean score of 107.6 ± 12 on ATP-30. Overall, most participants had a positive attitude towards psychiatry. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant model pertaining to predictors of attitude toward psychiatry (F (df) = 11.28 (830), P < 0.001). However, the predictors included in the model accounted for only 5.8% of the variation in ATP-30 scores. According to it, those students had a more positive attitude toward psychiatry who identified as female, older and having any sort of exposure toward psychiatric specialty, direct involvement in psychiatric patient care, and reporting personal experience of mental illnesses.
ConclusionOur study showed that medical students had a positive attitude towards psychiatry but female medical students, students with previous exposure to psychiatry, and students with longer psychiatry rotations tend to view psychiatry more positively. The generally positive trend towards psychiatry in Pakistan indicates the need to sustain improvements through proactive measures. We recommend longer placements for medical students in mental health settings for at least 4 weeks or longer. Medical schools should also promote research, discussions, and seminars on different psychiatric illnesses in order to enhance awareness among the students.
The impact of psychiatry school on attitudes towards psychiatry in medical students and junior doctors in Pakistan
- Raja Adnan Ahmed, Sanaa Moledina, Usama Asad
-
- Journal:
- BJPsych Open / Volume 7 / Issue S1 / June 2021
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 18 June 2021, p. S3
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Aims
To assess the impact of Psychiatry School on the attitudes towards psychiatry in Pakistani medical students (MS) and junior doctors (JD).
MethodInspired by the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ ‘Choose Psychiatry’ campaign, an online event by the name of ‘Psychiatry Autumn School Pakistan’ was held on the 1st of November 2020. The event was promoted through social media and medical students and junior doctors from across Pakistan were invited to attend. Moreover, a panel of British and Pakistani psychiatrists belonging to different sub-specialties was invited to deliver talks. The attendees were provided an insight into psychiatry as a viable career option and were introduced to the training pathways, research opportunities, and the various sub-specialties present within the field.
Participants were requested to complete the 'Attitudes Towards Psychiatry' (ATP-30) questionnaires before and immediately after the event. Individual scores on the questionnaire can range from 30 to 150 and a high score indicates a positive attitude. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test.
Result41 attendees (MS = 30, JD = 11) completed the pre-and post-school survey. The respondents were majorly female (76%) and from public sector universities (76%), with an average age of 23 years. The mean ATP score before the course was 119 (MS = 117, JD = 121) which increased by 9 points to 128 (MS = 126, JD = 131) after the event. When the two samples were compared using a paired t-test, the difference was statistically significant p < 0.005.
ConclusionWe conclude that a psychiatry school can positively influence attitudes towards psychiatry in medical students and junior doctors and our findings are consistent with similar studies done in other countries.
In Pakistan, unfortunately, only 2–4% of undergraduate students opt for a career in psychiatry owing to insufficient knowledge and awareness about the available treatment modalities and advancement in the field. Hence, such an intervention can greatly enhance recruitment within the profession as it makes psychiatry more accessible and visible as a career choice, generates awareness about the effectiveness and evolution of psychotherapeutic practices, and eradicates misconceptions about the field that prevail among young doctors.
This was the first psychiatry school held in Pakistan and the findings of the study as well the feedback received from the participants and the speakers motivate us to continue campaigning for ‘Choose Psychiatry.’