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Shadowing consultant psychiatrists: the need for change

The Tavistock Clinic, North Cumbria Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Trust, Carleton Clinic, Cumwhinton Road, Carlisle, Cumbria CA1 3SX

Alan Swann, Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist and Associate Medical Director

Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne

Barry Foley, Mental Health Lead and Workforce Designer for the Changing Workforce Programme

Abstract

AIMS AND METHOD

To explore the role of the consultant psychiatrist using an observational approach. Five consultant psychiatrists were shadowed by a trained observer. Observations were subjected to a qualitative analysis based on a grounded theory approach.

RESULTS

Six themes emerged as being significant; these were administration and secretarial support; training aspects of the role; clinical activity; the referral process; supervision, support and continuing professional development; and organisational systems.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The results indicated significant difficulties in the role of the consultant psychiatrist and the need for change. Any change in this role would have an effect on the roles of other professionals and on the whole system in which they work.

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