A Qualitative Study Focussing on the Acquisition of Psychotherapy Competencies in Core Psychiatry Training and the Effect of Covid-19

Acquiring competence in psychotherapy is a mandatory part of psychiatric training in the UK. Within their first 3 years of ‘Core Psychiatry’ training, doctors are expected to deliver both short-term and long-term psychotherapy treatments, supervised by the local Medical Psychotherapy tutor. During the Covid-19 pandemic, these treatments and their supervisions were carried out remotely. This pan-London qualitative research study, commissioned by the Health Education England London School of Psychiatry, aimed to explore trainees' and trainers' experiences of the psychotherapy curriculum within Core Psychiatric training, as well as their experiences of remote work during the pandemic. Seventeen participants were interviewed (out of 19 who came forward), including both trainees and trainers working within the London region. Thematic analysis of the transcripts of the semi-structured interviews identified five main themes with associated sub-themes. The results suggest that trainees found their psychotherapy experience to be enriching. However, there is work to be done around barriers and anxieties faced by trainees, for instance concerning the impact of patient drop out on training progression. Remote work posed additional issues for trainers and trainees in addressing psychotherapy competencies, with feelings of disconnection and loss being prominent.