[Nationwide evaluation of medical training in psychiatry and psychotherapy in Germany].

Abstract

Background: To date there has been no evaluation of further training and working conditions in medical specialist training in psychiatry and psychotherapy in Germany. In order to counteract the lack of young talent and ensure long-term care for patients, quality assurance is essential.

Aim of the work: The evaluation aims to identify strengths and weaknesses of the further training and to derive measures for improvement. For a better classification, a comparison is also made with other disciplines with medical specialist further training.

Material and methods: The online-based survey took place from 15 May 2023 to 30 June 2023. The results refer to 315 questionnaires from 202 physicians in further training and 113 medical specialists (specialist title for less than 3 years).

Results: Of those surveyed 64% were satisfied with the quality and implementation of the general psychiatry part, only 11% were considering changing their specialty and 18% were considering moving their job abroad due to the training conditions. There is a need for improvement in induction and in the organization of the training. In addition, significant time and financial burdens for mandatory external training events as well as the lack of compatibility between training and research, teaching and care work responsibilities were criticized.

Discussion: Overall, it appears that the working conditions are better than in other disciplines. With respect to the potential for improvement, the creation of financing for further training is essential; certificates for high quality training and the publication of positive examples can also contribute to quality assurance and improvement.