Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
Matthew Baum
Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Cameron Watson
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
James B. Badenoch
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
Ella Burchill
Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
Aims and method Neuropsychiatry training in the UK currently lacks a formal scheme or qualification, and its demand and availability have not been systematically explored. We conducted the largest UK-wide survey of psychiatry trainees to examine their experiences in neuropsychiatry training. Results In total, 185 trainees from all UK training regions completed the survey. Although 43.6% expressed interest in a neuropsychiatry career, only 10% felt they would gain sufficient experience by the end of training. Insufficient access to clinical rotations was the most common barrier, with significantly better access in London compared with other regions. Most respondents were in favour of additional neurology training (83%) and a formal accreditation in neuropsychiatry (90%). Clinical implications Strong trainee interest in neuropsychiatry contrasts with the limited training opportunities currently available nationally. Our survey highlights the need for increased neuropsychiatry training opportunities, development of a formalised training programme and a clinical accreditation pathway for neuropsychiatry in the UK.
