Trainee attitudes within the faculty of the psychiatry of learning disability

Abstract

Aims and method. Recruitment of trainees and consultants into psychiatry is a major concern. A questionnaire survey of trainees within the psychiatry of learning disability was conducted to highlight attitudes about training and career issues. Results. Ninety per cent of trainees decided on a career in learning disability as a result of completing a junior post in this speciality. Forty-three per cent were seeking dual accreditation and nearly half of these were experiencing problems relating to this: 84% expressed fears about becoming a consultant: and 53% felt they needed more advice on how to find a consultant post. Clinical implications. Increased exposure to learning disability at the basic training grade is required to ensure recruitment. In addition issues related to dual accreditation and anxieties about consultant posts need to be addressed.