We welcome the attention to psychiatric training for future GPs, that seems important when there is still no requirement for trainees to undertake these placements.
However, we are concerned that the advice by Burkes et al1 focuses too much on the minutiae and risks missing the real skills that they may need for a career in general practice. These include:
To understand that the specific health needs of those with severe and enduring mental illness. This group has poor health outcomes exacerbated by lifestyle choices and the same medication that contributes to the improvement in their mental health.2 There is a need to develop ways to tackle this major issue by working in partnership with secondary mental health care.
To develop skills in assessing risk effectively in a short period of time, knowing when to continue to manage situations in a primary care setting, and when to involve mental health services.
After a number of years of specialisation of mental health services, the awareness and understanding of the care pathways, and interlinking of different teams is vital knowledge.
Mental health, perhaps uniquely among other medical specialties, offers trainees a chance to work in truly multidisciplinary services when medical knowledge is counterbalanced and enhanced by other professions and their expertise.
- © British Journal of General Practice, May 2011