Psychiatric Bulletin (2006) 30: 114. doi: 10.1192/pb.30.3.114-a
© 2006 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Psychiatric Bulletin (2006) 30: 114
© 2006 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
The Foundation Programme and psychiatry
Mohd Mubashir Kagzi, FoundationYear 2 Doctor,
Sanja Zrelec, FoundationYear 2 Doctor,
Greig Ramsay, Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry,
Simon Wilson, Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry and
Julian C. Hughes, Consultant and Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer in Old Age
Psychiatry
Ash Court, NorthTyneside General Hospital, Rake Lane, North Shields, Tyne
andWear NE29 8NH, e-mail:
j.c.hughes{at}ncl.ac.uk
We write to support the suggestions made by Brown & Bhugra
(Psychiatric Bulletin, June 2005, 29, 204-206) concerning the
importance of psychiatric involvement in the Foundation Programme.
Foundation doctors in their second year, in addition to trainees in
psychiatry, have worked in this service for almost 18 months. Involvement
includes clinical supervision, educational supervision and teaching across the
2-year programme.
For the foundation doctor, 4 months experience in old age psychiatry
encourages better awareness and understanding of the physical and mental
health needs of older people. It increases knowledge of the use of
psychotropic medication, provides insight into the use of the Mental Health
Act 1983 and emphasises the assessment of risk. Moreover, it encourages a
holistic approach, with attention to psychosocial issues. It prompts greater
recognition of carer needs and provides insights into community care. Issues
of capacity and the ethical dimensions of practice are commonplace in this
specialty. The experience strengthens and develops generic skills, including
better communication and an appreciation of the importance of
multidisciplinary working.
From the perspective of the consultant in old age psychiatry, foundation
doctors bring fresh knowledge and experience of physical medicine, with an
eagerness to acquire broader psychosocial skills. The Foundation Programme
allows psychiatrists to influence doctors in training in a range of important
competencies and attitudes.