Workforce and Advanced Training Survey of the RANZCP Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age: Issues and Challenges for the Field

Abstract

Objectives: There is concern that there are insufficient old age psychiatrists in an ageing population. We aim to describe the work patterns of old age psychiatrists in Australia and New Zealand in order to identify barriers to training and practice.

Methods: Members of the Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age (FPOA) and other psychiatrists who have completed the Certificate of Psychiatry of Old Age were notified of the online survey by email in October 2008.

Results: Two hundred and twenty FPOA members resident in Australia and New Zealand were surveyed and 87 responded (56% male, mean age 49.2 years). While 82% had a public appointment, 34% worked in private practice where barriers included the lack of a multidisciplinary team and remuneration. Only 18% of clinical time was in a rural or regional setting. High levels of job satisfaction (88%) were found, with the main factors being working with older people, working in a multidisciplinary team and the intellectual challenge. Advanced training was felt to be beneficial, though some weaknesses were identified.

Conclusions: Old age psychiatry is a satisfying career with an advanced training program that is reported to be beneficial to practice. Because the old age psychiatry workforce will face mounting challenges over the next decades, it is imperative that planning for the future mental health needs of older Australians be commenced immediately.