Effectiveness of the research day in psychiatric training: survey of consultant psychiatrists

AIMS AND METHOD We explored the views of consultant psychiatrists (trainers and nontrainers) on the effectiveness of the research day. We sent out postal questionnaires to consultant psychiatrists in general adult and old age psychiatry in the West Midlands to evaluate their own experience of the research day and how useful they felt it was. RESULTS The survey had a response rate of 72% (88 out of 122) and the majority of respondents had a positive view of their experience (31 trainers, 60%; 25 non-trainers, 69%). However, more consultant trainers (37, 71%) compared with non-trainers (15, 42%) felt that the research day in its current format should be modified. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The research day is useful for the training of specialist registrars and our study confirms this view from the consultants surveyed. Some improvement is required in order for specialist registrars to obtain optimal benefit. We make some suggestions for improving the day's effectiveness.