Shadowing consultant psychiatrists: the need for change

Aims to explore the role of the consultant psychiatrist using an observational approach. Five consultant psychiatrists were shadowed by a trained observer. Observations were subjected to a qualitative analysis based on a grounded theory approach. Six themes emerged as being significant: these were administration and secretarial support; training aspects of the role; clinical activity; the referral process; supervision, support and continuing professional development; and organisational systems. The results indicated significant difficulties in the role of the consultant psychiatrist and the need for change. (Original abstract - amended)