What makes a good psychiatrist? A survey of clinical tutors responsible for psychiatric training in the UK and Eire

Abstract

The characteristics of a good psychiatrist practising in the UK health services have been described in policy but not in practice. We set out to determine what key characteristics are required for an individual to be identified as a good psychiatrist to become a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. A postal survey of all clinical tutors responsible for psychiatric training in the UK and Eire was carried out. These tutors are approved by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. 113 tutors responded (out of 163, 69.3% return). The most important identified characteristic was overall competency in diagnosis, management and investigations (98%) and the least desirable was ability to appraise staff (13%). With recent changes in training and assessment in the UK, further surveys of this kind are indicated to understand the trainers' views, and should be extended also to trainees.

Are psychiatrists an endangered species?

“…We have to build up this new image and make it public. At the same time, we have to ensure that psychiatric practice worldwide match up to this new image 13–16.…”

Alienation of the alienist: psychiatry on the ropes?

“…It was suggested by the respondents that the profession must take the lead on defining, developing and delivering professionalism as it related to psychiatry. In a survey of clinical tutors responsible for training in the UK and Eire, the top four characteristics of a good psychiatrist 6 were identified as overall competency in diagnosis, investigation and management; being a good communicator; the ability to make appropriate clinical decisions; and being a team worker (where individual opinions are valued and team members have a sense of ownership of clinical decisions). It is important that the professionals themselves set standards of care which are delivered within the limits set by available resources.…”

Der „ideale” Arzt aus Sicht psychiatrischer Patienten

“…Freundlichkeit, Interesse und der persönliche Einsatz des Arztes für die Belange der Patienten ("sich kümmern") sind wichtige Anforderungen der Patienten an einen idealen Arzt und auch wesentliche Faktoren für die Patientenzufriedenheit [15]. Im ärztlichen Gespräch sind dementsprechend Einfühlungsvermögen und Verständnis gefragt [20,21] [39,40]. "Ein Patient sollte sich jedes Mal, wenn er einen Arzt gesehen hat, besser füh-len", sagte einst eine sibirische Ärztin [1].…”