Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) are a serious public health problem. Suicide prevention programs have been established over the years but many people who are suicidal do not seek treatment, and when they do they will end up in low-threshold sectors such as the Emergency Department in general hospitals. Previous studies about STB are mostly narrative, rather than a date-driven approach and limited in sample size.

The main goal of this study is to describe the prevalence and evolution of STB (ideation, plan or attempt) of the psychiatric patient referred to the Emergency Department of the University Hospital Gasthuisberg (Leuven, Belgium) over a 12 year period.

During a 12 year period (2003-2015), all patients with a psychiatric referral to the Psychiatric Emergency Room (PER) of the University Hospital Gasthuisberg (Leuven, Belgium) were included (N˜25.000). We use descriptive statistics to summarize the data set, focusing on STB in terms of raw numbers, symptoms at referral, mental disorders and demographic characteristics.

Around 1/9 patients presents with suicide attempt; another 1/5 with suicidal thoughts. STB accounts for 35% of psychiatric primary complaints at the PER. Women were more likely to present with STB. The proportion of STB referrals remains stable over the years.

Despite several reforms in mental health care, the PER remains a major entry point into mental healthcare for large proportions of STB patients.

No significant relationships.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telesimulation became particularly important to continue the education of medical students during disrupted clerkships while maintaining social distancing.

To describe our experiences of adapting to telesimulation and evaluate this from student and faculty perspectives.

The intervention was evaluated using anonymous surveys consisting of statements rated on a five-point Likert scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree and open-ended questions asking students and facilitators what went well, what they would change and why, and for any other comments.

Adaptations addressed the logistics of online delivery and the structure and content of scenarios. Logistical considerations included central organization of sessions to relieve pressures on clinicians. Pre-session case discussions were introduced to maximise time with simulated patients and give students space to socialise. Content was modified to ensure functionality online and reflect the context of the pandemic. A total of 278 students and 24 facilitators participated in the telesimulation sessions. 98.1% of students (N=109) rated the sessions as very good or good. Students benefited from practicing skills, especially clinical situations which they would rarely encounter as students, and receiving feedback. Facilitators (N=6) felt that students learnt both skills for online consultations and skills that can be transferred to face-to-face situations, but were ambivalent on whether students would benefit more from face-to-face sessions.

Telesimulation is a safe and effective option that offers additional opportunities for students to develop telemedicine skills. Going forward, telesimulation should complement face-to-face delivery to develop future clinicians who are proficient in both remote and face-to-face working.

No significant relationships.

The therapeutic interview is one of the cornerstones of psychiatric practice. When practitioners are skilled in the art of interviewing, patients are allowed to share their narratives and explore their emotions, while the clinician can diagnose and treat more effectively. Discussions with colleagues can be used to share knowledge and experience. As part of a student project undertaken in Summer 2021, two students were tasked with producing a series of educational podcasts to be used for psychiatric training. Both students chose to complete several interviews with professionals in psychiatry. In this study, they will reflect on the efficacy of interviews as a learning tool, their experiences of podcast interviewing, and the transferable skills that they learned.

To reflect on the use of interviews within podcasts and how this can be transferred to practice.

Based on the literature review, medical students conducted interviews with specialist clinicians in order to gain information around patient treatment. They then reflected on this experience.

The practice of interviewing allowed for the development of a range of skills. It improved communication with senior professionals, provided a deeper knowledge of different psychiatric fields, and developed the written skills needed for the creation of engaging questions.

Interviews are a useful tool in educational podcasts and producing these helped medical students gain specialist insight and learning into different medical fields not thoroughly covered in the undergraduate curriculum. Producing the podcasts helped to develop the key skill of interviewing and communicating with more senior colleagues.

No significant relationships.

The European Psychiatric Association (EPA) Summer School allows psychiatric trainees and early career psychiatrists (ECPs) from all over Europe to meet, network, and learn together. After the 2020 edition being cancelled due to COVID-19, the 10th edition in 2021 focused for the first time on research and was conducted remotely.

To provide an overview and feedback about the first Virtual EPA Research Summer School as a new way to encourage international networking during COVID-19.

The School was organized by the EPA Secretary for Education, and 4 Faculty members. It started with a “breaking the ice session” one week before and then a two-days meeting on 23-24 September 2021 using an online video-platform. This was preceded by all the 21 participants (from 18 different countries) recording a short 4-minute video presentation, which was uploaded and shared with other participants and Faculty.

Participants were divided on a voluntary basis into three working groups: 1) “Drug repurposing: overcoming challenges in pharmacoepidemiology” 2) “Psychopathological research in psychiatry”; 3) “How to conduct a cross-sectional survey?”. The Summer School program was composed of plenary sessions with lectures by the Faculty members, discussion sessions, and working groups time. At the end, each group presented a summary of the work done to the rest of the participants.

Although the remote format limits social interactions during the Summer School, overall participants’ high satisfaction and productivity indicate that not only online formats, but also the topic of research might be covered in future editions.

No significant relationships.

Covid-19 pandemic caused a pivot to online clinical education and assessment across the globe.

To explore the views of psychiatric trainees and examiners on assessment of communication skills during online high stakes postgraduate examination.

This study was designed as interpretive descriptive qualitative research. All candidates and examiners of the online Irish Basic Specialist Training exam in September and November 2020 were included. The respondents were interviewed by Zoom which were transcribed verbatim. Data was coded using NVivo20 pro and Braun and Clarke thematic analysis was used to draw various themes and subthemes.

A total of seven candidates and seven examiners from different training deaneries and specialties were interviewed with average duration of 29m 45s and 24m 20s respectively. The participants were largely satisfied with the online examination but did not consider it equal to face-to-face for picking nonverbal cues. The candidates were very conscious of eye contact while examiners placed more emphasis on overall professional behavior and patient engagement. All candidates preferred to continue online format post pandemic for practical reasons e.g., avoiding travel and overnight stay, while all examiners preferred to go back to in-person Objective Structured Clinical Examination due to some limitations in assessing physical and cognitive examination. However, continuation of online Clinical Formulation and Management Examination was agreed by both groups.

The results of the study have shown different insights of two important stakeholders in a professional postgraduate psychiatry examination which can be useful to improve same exam and design similar assessments in other settings.

No significant relationships.

The updated programme for postgraduate psychiatry training in Malta was implemented in 2017. The trainees’ perspective was identified as an important and untapped resource in implementing positive change.

1. Identification of lacunae within the training programme 2. Acquire ideas regarding new initiatives 3. Identify what is particularly good. 4. Present a comprehensive report to the relevant stakeholders 5. Use of findings to work on concrete changes, with re-audit in 1 year.

Data from a national online survey of 12 Maltese Psychiatric Trainees from a total of 19 (63%% response rate) were examined. Both qualitative and quantitative data was gathered by making use of Likert scales as well as open ended questions. Various areas were surveyed, including 1. Ease of accessibility and quality of Clinical Supervision & Educational Supervision 2. Lectures and Teaching Seminars 3. After hours Duties 4. Psychotherapy Module 5. Preparation for MRCpsych Examinations

A noticeable difficulty in accessing clinical supervision (66%), the lack of research presentation opportunities (75%), as well as difficulties in the psychotherapy module (66.7%) were noted.

All results were collated into a six-page report. This report was presented to both the Maltese Postgraduate Training Committee as well as the Executive committee of the Maltese Association of Psychiatry and the Chairman of the Psychiatry Department. Various suggestions were flagged for Implementation including: 1. Rotation specific teaching 2. Restructure of the Psychotherapy module including training 3. Annual Research Day 4. Complex Case Discussions Follow up plans include reaudit in one year following the implemented changes.

No significant relationships.

As the Covid-19 pandemic brought about travel and social restrictions, many activities including specialty training events for medical specialty trainees moved online. The European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees, European Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and hild and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) Section of UEMS joined forces to turn challenges into an opportunity for CAP trainees and jointly organized the 1st ESCAP/UEMS-CAP/EFPT Training Day.

The main aim was to offer CAP trainees throughout Europe high quality and up to date training content free of charge, making use of the different strengths of the organizing associations.

Content of the Training Day was prepared according to feedback and demand from CAP trainees, collected through a questionnaire prior to the event. This event took place online and ran 9 webinars/workshops as well as a plenary case session where trainees presented real life cases made more challenging with the pandemic and representatives from 3 organizing associations discussed the cases from different perspectives. Remaining webinars/workshops covered a wide range of themes including but not limited to research, leadership, administrative and management skills as well as scientific topics such as eating disorders, medically unexplained symptoms, psychosis.

Almost 200 CAP trainees from 31 countries participated in the event and received certificates of completion. The outcome of the event is being evaluated via quantitative and qualitative methods and similar events will be planned accordingly.

1st ESCAP/UEMS-CAP/EFPT Training Day for CAP trainees was a success for reaching many trainees from across Europe and experimenting with different formats which will inspire future initiatives.

No significant relationships.

Nursing students’ attitudes towards mental illness will affect their perception about caring patients with mental illness and their willingness to work in the field of mental health. Evidence supported that contact with recovery patients can change people’s perception of mental illness.

The study aims to explore the undergraduate nursing students’ encountering experience with recovery patients as educators.

A qualitative study using purposive sampling was conducted with undergraduate nursing students in southern Taiwan. Content analysis was used to identify the students’ experience as encountering with the recovery patient as an educator.

As recovery patients participated in class, sharing their recovery journey and learning with students to produce a recovery story, it provided recovery patients and students an equal and mutually beneficial partnership. Four main themes about undergraduate nursing students’ attitudes were identified as. (1)Changing the mindset to patients with mental illness — We are human beings. There’s not much difference between us. (2)Turning positive attitudes towards patients with mental illness — We can compose a better life together! (3)Closing the distance between students and patients with mental illness — I am willing to be close to you. (4)Reflecting and growing in self-understanding and values — I am recovered, too.

This study found that the strategy of recovery patients as educators can improve future nurses’ attitudes towards mental illness, help them deeply learn about patient’ recovery journey. It might beneficial to help students developing their competency in patient-centered care. Future study could examine the effect of the recovery patients as educators.

No significant relationships.

There is a greater prevalence of oral problems in patients suffering from severe mental illness than in the general population. The psychiatrist use to be, naturally, a health professional with great clinical influence over these patients. Do young psychiatrists in training include oral evaluations on their patients? How does this doctor perceive oral health care in the context of follow-up of people with chronic mental disorders?

To interpret the meanings of the practice or not, regarding oral health guidelines, as reported by residents in psychiatry working in care and follow-up services to patients with severe disorders at a public university.

Clinical-qualitative design. Semi-directed interviews with open-ended questions in-depth carried out with six participants. Sample closed by saturation information criterion. Residents see their patients at the General Hospital of the State University of Campinas. Interview material, audio-recorded and transcribed in full, was treated by Clinical-Qualitative Content Analysis, using concepts of theoretical framework from Medical Psychology. Interviewer was a female professor of dentistry.

From the discussion, two categories of analysis were selected for this presentation. (1) medical practice obeys the natural logic of construction of paradigmatic areas: historically, dentistry has created a care model with independence from medicine; (2) dentist is not called to participate in “collusion of anonymity”. This is an expression construct by the psychoanalyst Balint to describe the taking of relevant clinical decisions, without no professional assume the responsibility for these.

These meanings may guide changes in professional conduct as well as in the curriculum of medical training programs.

No significant relationships.

Digital mental health interventions and digital psychiatry have been rapidly implemented over the past decade, particularly with the intent to offer a cost-effective solution in those circumstances in which the current mental health services and infrastructure are not able to properly accommodate the patients’ needs. However, mental health workforce is often poorly theoretical/practical trained in digital psychiatry and in delivering remote consultations safely and effectively, not being common to own curricula-specific training requirements in digital psychiatry and skills.

Our aim is evaluating the level of training, knowledge, experience and perception regarding the topic of digital psychiatry in a sample constituted by medical students, psychiatry trainees and early career psychiatrists from WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions (APAC).

A web-based international cross-sectional survey was carried out to specifically investigating digita psychiatry in APAC regions.

An overall lack of theoretical and/or practical training on new digital tools and digital health interventions in psychiatry has been observed. The level of training influences knowledge background, which, in turn, influences young professionals’ perceptions and opinions regarding digital psychiatry and interventions in mental health.

Implementing psychiatry training programs may significantly improve the level of knowledge and use of digital tools in mental healthcare. Moreover, mental health services and infrastructures should be properly adapted to the digital era, considering the overall weak and heterogeneous technical support and equipment, issues of internet connectivity and other administrative related challenges observed in APAC.

No significant relationships.

We will present experience developing a system for monitoring training placements in psychiatry and community paediatrics, and how this was expanded to provide an automated anonymised MSF for trainers for annual appraisal and will identify trainers in need of additional support and other post/training programme issues. The session will be of interest to educators and medical education leads with practical tips and lessons learnt over the last 8 years since the system was first developed.

The system was also used to identify trainers in need of additional support and other post/training programme issues.

We used an electronic system to gain the infromation as stated in the introduction.

Over the last 8 years we have collected data using this system. the results for our trust will be displayed annoymously but the system is the ficus of this presenation.

The advantages of the system are that it runs throughout the year (so covers each post and placement), has high trainee response rates, has no selection bias (compared with some other MSF systems) and the results are embedded within local quality systems and individual consultant appraisals. The data that the system collects can help provide robust evidence when investigating concerns that might only arise periodically (for example through the annual GMC trainee survey in the UK). We believe that this system will be applicable for doctors providing training in other countries and empowers the improvement of psychiatric training for the profession.

No significant relationships.

Racism is present in most aspects of our society, including healthcare. Differences in health outcomes, and in the quality of mental health treatment for people coming from ethnic minority groups have been demonstrated in the literature. Psychiatry trainees are required to understand the impact of structural inequalities and power differences within mental health services, and to be able to deliver clinical care that is equitable for all.

To provide psychiatry trainees with a space to reflect on unconscious racial bias in clinical work and to explore potential barriers when talking about such topics.

A Race and Equality Reflective Group for psychiatry trainees was organised as an opportunity to discuss unconscious racial bias. Due to an insufficient number of registrations, the session was cancelled. An anonymous feedback questionnaire was sent to all trainees to understand reasons behind this, and to explore potential barriers to participation. The results were analysed and were brought back to a regular Balint group for further exploration.

Twelve trainees filled in the questionnaire. The main themes identified included this topic being a sensitive issue (5; 41.7%), discomfort in trainees (5; 41.7%), insufficient time to participate (4; 33%) and timetable clash (3; 25.9%). Barriers to discussing unconscious racial bias and inequality were identified in further exploration with trainees. The tendency for groups to adopt a split position that was observed, mirrors the dynamics seen in institutional racism.

This work has highlighted the need for ongoing focused, facilitated educational spaces where these issues can be openly discussed and reflected upon.

No significant relationships.

Psychiatry residency training is a stressful transitional period for young doctors who are faced with challenging patients, increased clinical responsibility coupled with lack of clinical experience, and on-call obligations, leaving them at high risk of burnout.

To assess the frequency of burnout among psychiatric trainees, and to identify factors associated with severe burnout.

A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey among psychiatry residents working in Tunisian hospitals. Participants completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to assess burnout.

Forty residents completed the survey. The average age was 28.08 ± 2.433. The majority of the participants (87.5%) were females, 27.5% were married and 17.5% had kids. One fifth of the residents were smokers, 22.5 % used alcohol and 5% used cannabis. History of psychiatric disorder was reported by 35% of the participants (depression 15%, anxiety 17.5%, bipolar disorder 2.5%). Half of participants were first year residents and 75% had psychiatry as their first-choice specialty. The majority (72.5%) declared working in poor conditions. Overall, 37.5% of the participants met the criteria for severe burnout. Female gender and poor conditions of the workplace were significantly associated with burnout symptoms (p=0.007 and p=0.014 respectively).

Attention to burnout during residency is important, given the potential to implement preventive and management strategies on time for physicians’ to promote wellness and avoid severe consequences.

No significant relationships.

Tunisia is viewed as an advanced country in terms of women’s rights in the Arab world. However, women are more exposed than men to many specific risk factors which greatly contribute to threaten their mental health.

The main objective of this study was to find out the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of women admitted in Razi psychiatric hospital and their access to mental health services.

A cross sectional and descriptive survey was conducted between March and April 2021 in the department of psychiatry D of Razi Hospital including 40 female inpatients.

The majority of patients had low (37.1%) to moderate (61.9%) socio economic status, with primary education (40%), secondary education (20%) and higher education (28.6%). The majority was unemployed (68.8%). A significant difference was observed between adherence to treatment and family support (p=0.04). It was mainly the father or the husband who was taking care of the patient in 50% of cases. The first psychiatric consultation was 2.68 years after having symptoms. Hospitalization was about 4.94 years later. Twenty five percent of them have seen a tradipractioner before consulting. About 46.87% of patients had conflicts with a member of her family and 15.62% of them were victims of either domestic or family violence. The main diagnoses were mood disorders (31.4%) and schizophrenia (42.9%) Time between symptoms onset and hospitalisation was significantly associated with socioeconomic status (p=0.047) and cultural beliefs (p=0.026).

The protection of women’s mental health is not only a medical challenge but also a cultural and political one.

No significant relationships.

Depression during pregnancy leads to deterioration of the mothers’ and the fetus’ health.

To explore women’s perception and attitude towards using antidepressants during pregnancy and identify the factors that influence decision making regarding antidepressants use.

A cross-sectional survey of 991 subjects using convenient sampling. All study subjects (PNU affiliates; staff and students) were invited to fill out an electronic questionnaire, KAAUH staff and PNU female associates who were less than 18 years old were excluded. Answers were reported using 5- point Likert scale. The responses were summed up to give a total score for each respondent. The cutoff point is 75%. Respondents who scored above or equal 75% of the total score was considered as positive perception or favorable attitude.

The majority of women had negative perception and favorable attitude towards using antidepressants during pregnancy reaching 64%. While, women with positive perception and favorable attitude represented about 20% of the study subjects. The main factors influencing decision making were, education specialty (health, none-health) and subject history of diagnosis with any psychological disorder. Social stigma, religious believes and fear of addiction were reported by surveyors to be the reason influencing their perception and attitude about antidepressants use (P value <0.005).

This study reveals that although Saudi women reflect a negative perception towards using antidepressants during pregnancy, yet they have a favorable attitude once depression during pregnancy becomes an issue.

No significant relationships.

Clinicians often do not have experience assessing perinatal patients unless they work as part of a perinatal team. Informal feedback points to a lack of confidence in performing perinatal assessments.

The aim of the project was to assess clinicians’ confidence in performing perinatal assessments in outpatient and inpatient settings including the Emergency Department. Additionally, we wanted to assess whether access to a perinatal assessment tool was beneficial. We hypothesise that clinicians lack confidence in performing perinatal assessments and would benefit from using a perinatal assessment tool.

We designed a survey of 10 questions assessing the above. The survey was sent out to psychiatric trainees and nurses at South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. The participant’s confidence in completing perinatal assessments in various settings was assessed using a 5 point Likert scale.

52 responses were received. 50% of participants felt not so confident in performing perinatal assessments in the outpatient setting. 40.38%(n=21) of participants felt not so confident in exploring the mother and foetal relationship. 71.15% (n=37) of participants felt that they would benefit from additional teaching with 48.1% of participants citing that they would benefit from access to an assessment tool.

As predicted, the results of the survey show that clinicians lack confidence in performing perinatal assessments. Therefore, we have commenced work on modifying the existing Stafford Interview. This is a structured interview that explores the obstetric and psycho-social background and psychiatric complications of pregnancy. The survey is due to be replicated in other project locations to allow transcultural comparison.

No significant relationships.

Waiting times for gender identity services, even before the Covid-19 pandemic, have been a cause of concern. Despite the waiting time standard for planned elective care in the NHS being a maximum of 18 weeks, the average waiting time for a first appointment with a gender identity clinic is 18 months. This study aims to analyse the effect that these timings have on the transgender community, and whether they impact the risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.

This study’s main aim is to analyse the correlation between waiting times and mental health burden in the transgender community.

A literature review and analysis on a transgender individual’s mental health and waiting times for Gender Identity Clinics; looking at any key themes and conclusions. Research papers were taken from MEDLINE, The International Journal of Transgender Health, Oxford Academic, SpringerLink and Emerald Insight, with studies publishing date ranging from 2014 – 2021.

The transgender population were found to have higher rates of suicidal ideation, depression and self harm compared to the general population. Longer waiting times were found to contribute to feelings of low mood and suicidal ideation, as well as decreasing overall quality of life.

Longer waiting times can decrease a transgender individual’s quality of life and impact their overall mental wellbeing: especially with the impact of COVID-19 and the rise in referrals.

No significant relationships.

The prevalence of ABO alleles in population is different. Many studies confirmed the correlation between the occurrences of some diseases with different genotypes of ABO blood groups. Studies had shown possible differencese between patients with depressive dissorder and bipolar affective disorders according to ABO blood groups. There are contradictory results; some studies had shown significant association between blood group O and BAP, other showed relationship between unipolar depression and blood type O. Others shoedn association between involuntary depression and blood group A and negative association between blood group A and BAP.

The purpose of this study was to reassess the potential diferences between patients with depressive dissorder and bipolar affective disorders according to ABO blood groups.

A total of 97 adult female psychiatric inpatients participated in this study. 57,7% were diagnosed with depressive disorder and 42,3% were diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder. Type of ABO group were measured from the blood samples taken in the morning after 30 min rest. From whole blood, genomic DNA was isolated on QIAcube device (Qiagen, Germany) using QIAamp DNA Blood mini QIAcube kit (Qiagen, Germany). ABO genotyping on 5 basic ABO alleles was performed using allele-specific PCR.

Comparing ABO blood groups between female patients who are suffering from depressive disorders and bipolar affective disorders, we didn’t found any differences. In both examination groups, higher proportion of A blood group was significant.

The results of this study didn’t support the hypothesis of diferences in ABO blood group between depressive disorders and bipolar affective disorders.

No significant relationships.

Women with reproductive difficulties often feel stigmatized and isolated. Information concerning their specific experience can help plan psychosocial interventions.

The study aims to analyze reproductive difficulties representations in women with different coping orientations.

Participants: 48 women (aged 24-43) from support groups arranged by the “You Are Not Alone” non-profit organization for women with reproductive issues. Based on the questionnaire “Types of Orientations in Difficult Situation”, participants were divided into three groups: approach coping (N=16), avoidance coping (N=9), ambivalent coping (N=23). Content analysis was conducted based on stories about reproduction difficulties experiences.

Table 1

We identified three types of representation of reproductive difficulties in women: approaching the goal of having a child; avoidance (fear of own death/illness/insanity or not having a child); ambivalent coping (alternating approach/avoidance). Funding: The study was funded by RFBR, project number 20-013-00838.

No significant relationships.

The extent to which structural gender inequality contributes to macro-level differences in postpartum depression (PPD) remains largely unknown.

To examine the association of structural gender inequalities with national-level prevalence estimates of PPD symptoms.

Meta-analytically derived national-level estimates for the prevalence of PPD symptoms – based on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) – were combined with economic (e.g., income inequality), health (e.g., infant mortality rate), sociodemographic (e.g., urban population), and structural gender inequality variables (e.g., abortion policies) for 40 countries (276 primary studies). Data came from a prior meta-analysis on PPD prevalence and international agencies (e.g., UNICEF). Meta-regression techniques and traditional p-value based stepwise procedures, complemented with a Bayesian model averaging approach, were used for a robust selection of variables associated with national-level PPD symptom prevalence. Sensitivity analyses excluded primary studies with small sample sizes or countries lacking evidence for psychometric properties of the EPDS.

Income inequality (β = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.07) and abortion policies (β = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.00 to 0.03) were the only variables included in the final, adjusted model, accounting for 60.7% of the variance in PPD symptoms across countries. Gradual liberalizations of abortion policies were associated with a 2% decrease in national-level PPD symptom prevalence. Results were robust to sensitivity analyses.

Structural gender inequalities might be social determinants of PPD, as the liberalization of abortion policies seem to impact women’s perinatal mental health on a population level. More research on structural gender inequality is needed to guide policy and practice.

No significant relationships.