Training in psychiatry: an examination of trainee perceptions

Objective: To look at the perceptions of New South Wales (NSW) psychiatric trainees in relation to their training experiences and the role and quality of the consultant-registrar relationship. Methods: A self-report questionnaire was developed to probe trainee perceptions of the consultant-trainee relationship in all those who had completed at least 1 year of training in psychiatry (n = 138) in NSW, as well as all consultants who had complet-ed their training in the last 5 years (n = 95). Test-retest reliability was assessed at 3 months for each of the subscales (r = 0.70-0.89) and found to be acceptable. Validity issues are discussed. Results: The results are discussed with special reference to the perceived compe-tence, availability, breadth of knowledge and willingness to accept responsibilities of the supervising consultant. Consultant competence as a clinician was consistently rated as more important than being emotionally supportive. Conclusion: In addressing these issues, we aim to increase the degree of self-consciousness and reflectiveness of the profession of psychiatry within the Australia