Training in psychiatry throughout Europe

Abstract

Psychiatry is the largest medical specialty in Europe. Despite efforts to bring harmonisation, training in psychiatry in Europe continues to be very diverse. The Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes (UEMS) has issued as from 2000 a charter of requirements for the training in psychiatry with an additional European Framework for Competencies in Psychiatry in 2009. Yet these have not been implemented throughout Europe. In this paper, the diversity in training throughout Europe is approached from different angles: the cultural differences between countries with regards to how mental health care is considered and founded on, the cultural differences between people throughout Europe in all states. The position of psychotherapy is emphasised. What once was the cornerstone of psychiatry as medical specialty seems to have become a neglected area. Seeing the patient with mental health problems within his cultural context is important, but considering him within his family context. The purpose of any training is enabling the trainee to gain the knowledge and acquire the competencies necessary to become a well-equipped professional is the subject of the last paragraph in which trainees consider their position and early career psychiatrists look back to see whether what they were trained in matches with what they need in the working situation. Common standard for training and certification are a necessity within Europe, for the benefit of the profession of psychiatrist but also for patient safety. UEMS is advised to join forces with the Council of National Psychiatric Associations (NPAs) within the EPA and trainings and early career psychiatrist, to discuss with the users what standards should be implemented in all European countries and how a European board examination could ensure professional quality of psychiatrists throughout the continent.

Recruitment into old age psychiatry

“…An estimated 45% increase in consultant numbers is required by 2033; however, it is predicted that consultant numbers will actually decrease by 7% over this period 4 . These recruitment difficulties are not unique to the UK: similar issues have been described across Europe and the USA 5 . The reasons for this loss of consultant stock are multiple, including the final cohort of those consultants retiring with enhanced pension rights, but there is also a clear trend of decreased training within the specialty.…”

Transition as a topic in psychiatry training throughout Europe: trainees’ perspectives

“…The structure and content of psychiatry training has been a topic of concern for decades, with a shift from aiming for a common psychiatric training programme throughout Europe to aiming for similar quality of training programmes [11][12]. To ensure the quality of the different training programmes, the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) published The European Framework for Competencies in Psychiatry [13].…”

A Mixed-Method Modified Delphi Study toward Identifying Key Elements of Psychotherapy in Iran

“…This would allow for both psychiatry residents and clinical psychology students to acquire the same level of necessary skills and have access to consistent training focused on providing psychotherapy. Previous research [39,40] has highlighted the importance of learning psychotherapy in psychiatry residency programs, and Kovach et al [39] reported that, despite psychiatry residents typically reporting interest in psychotherapy, there is significant variability in the quality of training opportunities available, necessitating an examination of psychotherapy curricula. Therefore, the standardization and implementation of a consistent curriculum that improves the state of psychotherapy education within Iran is necessary for the field to progress and adequately train new professionals.…”