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Original papers: Ajay Vijayakrishnan, Joan Rutherford, Steve Miller, and Lynne M. Drummond Service user involvement in training: the trainees' view Psychiatr Bull 2006; 30: 303-305 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]

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Is there a need to evaluate users’ views as trainers?

MAHADEVAPRASAD JASTI, KAVITA K. PRAVEEN   (31 August 2006)

Is there a need to evaluate users’ views as trainers? 31 August 2006
MAHADEVAPRASAD JASTI, SpR in Forensic CAMHS ARDENLEIGH, KAVITA K. PRAVEEN Send letter to journal: Re: Is there a need to evaluate users’ views as trainers? mpjasti{at}hotmail.com MAHADEVAPRASAD JASTI, et al.	We read this article on the trainee’s view regarding service user involvement in training with great interest. In the past, there had been anxiety amongst trainees regarding subjective methods of evaluation in the MRCPsych examinations. Currently, the College has implemented objective and standardised methods of evaluation in these examinations. The involvement of service users in this process may have an effect on this and should be carefully planned. As highlighted in the article, though two-thirds of the trainees were agreeable to service user involvement in examinations, they expressed reservations over their objectivity and expertise. In order to address this, training of service user needs to be focussed on enhancing their skill in assessing trainees objectively, in certain components of the examination that may best reflect their expertise. Being an examiner is both demanding and taxing. As psychiatrists, we are aware of stress as a major trigger of relapse. In light of this, we need to balance service user needs and demands of being an examiner carefully. Processes should be established to prevent and intervene in order to minimise any harm to the service user. Another way of involving service users in training is to participate in the multi-source 360-degree feedback assessment. This can largely assist in identifying trainees’ needs from a user's perspective. Thanks to this article and many similar related articles, most trainees are aware of advantages and disadvantages of service user involvement in training. However, there is little systematic evaluation of users’ and carers’ perceptions as trainers and the difficulties they might encounter, which needs acknowledging and addressing. REFERENCES: Livingston,G., Cooper,C.(2004)User and Carer involvement in Mental Health Training. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment,10,85-92. Tait,L.,Lester,H.(2005)Encouraging user involvement in Mental Health Services.Advances in Psychiatric Treatment,11,168-175. Department of Health(1999)National Service Framework- Standard 6.