The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland hosted its first week-long Induction Programme for Foundation Year trainees last week, 13th – 17th August 2018. This Induction Programme was created as an introductory week for those beginning their training in psychiatry and its formation was supported by HSE-NDTP through the award of development funding.
Professor Greg Swanwick delivering Communications session at the Foundation Year Induction Programme 2018
The aim of the programme was to provide new Doctors with the skills and knowledge required, at an early stage of their careers, to address their confidence and psychological well-being, and issues of patient safety. It also provided an opportunity for networking and for building support networks amongst trainees.
Trainees were welcomed to the College premises at 5 Herbert Street on Monday evening for an opening address from Dr William Flannery (the College’s Vice-President) and Ms Rosarii Mannion (National HR Director, HSE).
On Tuesday Prof. Greg Swanwick, the College’s Dean of Education, welcomed the trainees to the first day of workshops and activities. Dr Justin Brophy, Clinical Lead, National Office for Suicide Prevention & Chair of the Forum of Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies, spoke about doctor stress and consultant psychiatrists Dr Brendan McCormack and Prof Brendan Kelly provided sessions on working within the Irish Health System.
“It was a very well organised, thoughtful week that has enriched us in different ways. The topics were well-chosen and catered to FY trainees. It also make me feel comfortable in contacting our College about different matters and asking for help from the relevant sources if necessary”. – Trainee feedback from the induction
Rick Rossiter, REFOCUS, addressing trainees as part of a plenary session at the Foundation Year Induction programme 2018
Dr Anne Jeffers, consultant psychiatrist, Clinical Lead for the National Clinical Programme for the Assessment and Management of Patients who present to the ED following Self Harm, and joint chair of CPsychI REFOCUS (Recovery Experience Forum of Carers and Users of Service) Committee, provided Suicide Response training, which covered safety plans, mitigation strategies, and information on on-call assessment, amongst other areas, both at a national and individual level.
Trainees also learned about the cultural aspects of Irish life, including the Irish traveller community (Kathleen McDonagh-Clarke, Exchange House Ireland), refugees (Aisling Hearns and Dr Anna Sheane, Spirasi), spirituality (Ms Maureen McCabe, Healthcare Chaplain, St John of Gods), sport (Dr Paul Scully, Consultant psychiatrist), and LGBT awareness (Laura Louise Condell, Dublin Lesbian Line). This provided the opportunity for those who have come from overseas to study psychiatry in Ireland to understand the many aspects of Irish culture which may influence their work.
“The personal stories were fascinating. It’s good to be reminded of how far we have come in terms of stigma and attitudes towards mental ill health.” – Trainee feedback on REFOCUS plenary presentation.
Day three consisted of group workshops and a plenary session with members of the CPsychI REFOCUS Committee. Dr Verena Keane was joined by Mr Rick Rossiter and Mrs Julie Healy who described the work of REFOCUS, discussed the value of family involvement and issue of confidentiality and spoke of their lived experiences as service user and family carer.
“Communication bridges the gap between psychiatrists, services users and carers & the sharing of experiences of carer and service users is very useful and enlightening.” – Trainee feedback on REFOCUS plenary presentation
“This was a vital and important week of training that should be part of all training services. The programme should probably be replicated again and again by other specialities. The level of organisation and the amount of lecturers and speakers was very impressive”. – Trainee feedback on induction
Thank you to all who attended and enabled its success. We welcome our new members and look forward to sharing this journey with you.
