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Use of cognitive-behavioural therapy skills among trained psychiatrists

Department of Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapy, Mawson Lodge, 62-68 Valence Road, Leicester LE3 1AR, e-mail: Graeme.Whitfield{at}leicspart.nhs.uk

Moira Connolly, Consultant in General Adult Psychiatry

Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Glasgow

Alan Davidson, Consultant Psychiatrist in Psychotherapy

Lochgilphead Hospital, Argyll

Chris Williams, Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist

Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Glasgow

Declaration of interest

M. Connolly is a co-director and supervisor on the South of Scotland certificate and diploma CBT course. All authors have themselves attended CBT certificate or diploma courses.

AIMS AND METHOD

Previous studies have suggested that despite the cost of attendance at postgraduate cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) courses, psychiatrists are unable to engage in CBT after qualification. A postal survey of psychiatrists with postgraduate CBT training currently practising in Scotland was performed to assess the levels of training and supervision that they provide, therapeutic CBT activity, and supervision and continued professional development that they receive.

RESULTS

Of the 58 psychiatrists, 51 replied to the survey (88%). Less than half of the respondents supervised other staff. Although 43 (84%) engaged in some therapeutic CBT activity, only 25 (49%) received supervision for their own practice. The main reasons given for not engaging in CBT therapeutic activity were that there was inadequate ‘protected time’and that CBT had not been included in‘job plans’.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Psychiatrists can help to disseminate CBT skills. To do this, they require personal supervision, and time for the development and maintenance of therapeutic skills as well as for the training and supervision of others. This survey builds on the results of others and indicates that these requirements are currently being inadequately met.