Career medical officers in psychiatry and addiction in NSW: description, role and educational needs.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe the workforce of career medical officers (CMOs) working in psychiatry and addiction medicine across New South Wales (NSW) and to explore their training and education needs, and experience of their role. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey of CMOs in NSW working in psychiatry or addiction medicine. The survey consisted of quantitative data and free-text responses, and was conducted online in late 2017. RESULTS: Of the 41 CMOs identified and sent the survey link, 25 CMOs completed the survey (61% RR). Almost half had worked as a CMO for 11 years or longer. Only six respondents held a recognised senior CMO position. Common areas of expertise were clozapine, metabolic health, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). One-quarter of respondents did not receive supervision. Suggested education and training improvements included an annual 1-day training symposium and monthly peer review group for CMOs. CONCLUSION: CMOs are an often senior group of clinicians working in important areas of service provision. Ongoing educational support for this group of medical practitioners is prudent to ensure the delivery of best practice mental health and drug health care.