The European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees (EFPT), a trainee-led organisation, encompassing official representatives from 24 countries, set up a research group to foster trainee-led collaborative research, emphasising training and clinical practice.

The first survey of the group assessed trainees’ treatment choices for patients and themselves, across psychiatric disorders, in addition to factors influencing decision-making and guideline use.

A web-based survey was piloted, and distributed to 16 European countries. For validity, a 50% response rate from a homogenous sample, with sample size 50 or more was required,

12 countries met inclusion criteria.

1. (a) Antipsychotic choice and factors influencing decision-making

93% (n=600) of respondents chose to prescribe 2nd Generation atypical antipsychotics for patients, and 89% (n=530) chose this treatment for themselves. 79% (n=458) of respondents felt efficacy was the most important factor influencing decision-making.

1. (b) Mood stabiliser choice and factors influencing decision-making 41% (n=263) of trainees chose to prescribe lithium to patients, with 35% (n=224) stating they would wish to receive this themselves. 66% (n=538) of respondents felt perceived efficacy was the most important factor influencing decision-making.

2. (c) Antidepressant choice and factors influencing decision-making 75% (n-461) of trainees would prescribe SSRIs to patients with a moderate depressive episode, 78% (n=438) wishing to receive SSRIs themselves. 67% (n=523) of respondents felt efficacy to be the most important determining facor.

Trainees are able to provide clinically-relevant research through trainee networks, and a number of decisions governing treatment do not appear to be based on current evidence.