Abstract
A survey of trainees on their rural training experience has found that most regarded it as beneficial and agreed that it should continue to be part of psychiatric training.
Key findings included:
Fifty-five percent reported the rural experience was very or extremely beneficial. Nineteen percent said it was moderately beneficial
Three-quarters said the rural experience should remain a part of the training program in some form. Eleven percent said rural experience was important but should not be compulsory
The aspects of the experience that rated most highly included team/colleagues, location, accommodation, work variety and supervision
The aspects of the rural experience that rated poorly included the ability to prepare for clinical exams, opportunities for professional development, travel, access to the Internet and resources, orientation, and work load
Close to one third of trainees were more interested in rural psychiatry as a direct result of their rural experience.
The survey was conducted to evaluate current levels of satisfaction with rural experiences, perspectives on rural psychiatry generally, and future career plans.
Thirty-seven trainees who had completed their rural mental health experience in the past 18 months or who were currently based in a rural area participated.