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Retirement intentions of older consultant psychiatrists

College Research Unit, 83 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0HW

Tim Kendall, Deputy Director

College Research Unit

Cornelius Katona, Dean

Royal College of Psychiatrists

Carole Pashley, Deputy Head of Postgraduate Education

Royal College of Psychiatrists

Sarah Pajak, Research Worker

College Research Unit, London

Declaration of interest

The study was funded by the Department of Health as part of the Royal College of Psychiatrists College Research Unit workforce planning research.

Correspondence: alex.mears{at}virgin.net

AIMS AND METHOD

This survey gathered data on the retirement intentions of consultant psychiatrists over the age of 50 years, in order to address retention issues. A questionnaire was sent to all 1438 consultants over this age in the UK.

RESULTS

A total of 848 questionnaires were returned, an adjusted response rate of 59%. The mean age at which consultants intended to retire in this sample was 60 years (s.d. 4.16), suggesting a potential loss of 5725 consultant years. Reasons for early retirement are complex: factors encouraging retirement include too much bureaucracy, lack of free time and heavy case-loads; those discouraging retirement include enjoyment of work, having a good team and money. Mental Health Officer status is an important determinant in the decision to retire early.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

With numerous vacancies in consultant psychiatrist posts throughout the UK, premature retirement is a cause for concern, possibly contributing to an overall reduction in consultant numbers of 5%. Addressing factors that influence consultants’decisions to leave the health service early should form an important part of an overall strategy to increase consultant numbers.

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