Measuring the quality of supervision and the training experience in psychiatry

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and trial a method of trainee evaluation of the supervision and training experience. Method: A questionnaire was developed and applied at the end of each of four 6-month clinical rotations. Results: The evaluation demonstrated areas of strength (punctuality and reliability, encouragement, educational value, clinical guidance) and weakness (journal club, clinical meetings). Many supervisors were not observing diagnostic or management interviews of trainees. Psychotherapy supervision received the highest ratings. Conclusions: Because of the privacy of supervision and the occasional nature of evaluations, reliability of scores cannot be demonstrated. However, within the context of a model of quality improvement, and supplemented by the education and supervision of supervisors, trainee evaluations can be useful in targeting specific areas of deficiency in training and supervision.