Early Clinical Experience in Psychiatry: An analysis of student reflections

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Abstract
Background Student experiences have a key role in their choice of Psychiatry as a career. Recently there has been a move to provide early clinical experiences which may vary from a day to a week. The purpose of this study was to describe the student experiences of an early clinical placement in Psychiatry at a medical school in Australia. Results A qualitative analysis of student reflections in their longitudinal portfolio was undertaken to elicit student’s perceptions of the placement. Five themes emerged which relate to the placement, patient interactions, consulting style, health systems and the intention to choose psychiatry as a career in future. Conclusion Early clinical placements in Psychiatry when designed carefully provide a meaningful learning experience for medical students as well as may lead to subsequent career choice.