Psychiatrists acting as expert witnesses – are they confident?. Issue 4 (4th November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gumber, Rohit; Devapriam, John; Sallah, David; Khan, Sayeed
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic practice. Volume 16:Issue 4(2014)
• Page Start: 304
• Page End: 311
• Publication Date: 2014-11-04
• Subjects: Forensic psychiatry -- Periodicals; Forensic psychology -- Periodicals; 614.15
• DOI: 10.1108/JFP-02-2013-0014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-8794

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Purpose</title> <p> – The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the current competencies and training needs for being an expert witness of trainees (CT3, ST4-6) and career grade psychiatrists (consultants and staff grade, associate specialist and specialty doctors) in a UK health and well-being Trust. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Design/methodology/approach</title> <p> – This was completed through an online survey, developed by the authors, of all career grade and trainee psychiatrists within the Trust. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Findings</title> <p> – Only 9 per cent of respondents reported that they felt they had adequate training to feel competent as an expert witness. Despite low levels of training and confidence, 73 per cent of respondents had written an expert report. As well as shortage of training opportunities for psychiatrics acting as expert witnesses, the findings indicated increasing fear of litigation and lack of direct experience of court proceedings during training. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Practical implications</title> <p> – Doctors need to be offered formal training opportunities including simulated training, ideally organised within Trust, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) committees or Education committees. Implementation of the RCPsych report guidance into speciality curricula and CPD opportunities for doctors would ensure a robust curriculum-based delivery of these essential skills. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Originality/value</title> <p> – A wealth of guidance is available for expert witnesses, but no previous study had identified the specific training issues and overall confidence in competency to act as an expert witness amongst psychiatrists. It will be valuable to all psychiatrists involved in court work and organisations involved in training psychiatrists, especially in light of recent relevant court cases and removal of expert witness immunity.</p> </sec> </abstract>