Evaluation of the European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees' Forum 2014

Abstract

Introduction

The European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees (EFPT) brings together trainee organisations from across Europe. Founded in 1993, the Federation now has over thirty member nations. The EFPT conducts transnational research, orchestrates an exchange programme, promotes recruitment and helps establish new national trainee organisations.

Aim

To deliver a Europe-wide forum for psychiatric trainee organisations to collaborate effectively.

Objectives

1. 1) Evaluate 2014 Forum

2. 2) Identify ways to improve

Method

The fulcrum of the EFPT's activities is the annual Forum, which brings together representatives of member organisations for five days of work, fun and intercultural learning. In 2014 the Forum took place in London. A local organising committee was established to develop the programme. Funding was obtained from various sources, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Maudsley Charity. The programme included site visits, by country reports, working group sessions and finally the Annual General Meeting. A survey was sent to all delegates to evaluate the Forum.

Results

85% of delegates who responded rated the Forum very good or excellent. 70% said that the inspiration to improve training in their own countries was very good or excellent. Free-form responses identified friendly interactions with colleagues from different countries, international networking and the scientific content as highlights. Suggested improvements included writing up country reports and providing a toolkit to prepare potential delegates.

Discussion and Conclusions

The EFPT provides a mechanism for communication between national trainee organisations. Trainees highly value the opportunity afforded by the annual Forum to network with colleagues in an inspiring atmosphere of mutual collaboration.