A profile of psychologists in clinical training caseloads in Ireland

Abstract

Purpose

This study profiled the work activities, including caseloads, of psychologists in clinical training (n=51; hereafter referred to as “trainees”) in the Republic of Ireland (RoI). The purpose of this paper is to highlight the value of trainees by focusing on the effect they had on the waiting times across the services where they were on placement.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a survey design using the online survey software, Limesurvey, in order to profile the work activities of 51 trainees (response rate=47 per cent) on various placements across the RoI.

Findings

Findings suggest that the trainees work contributed in a meaningful way to their host services through their engagement in both direct and indirect clinical work.

Research limitations/implications

The study relied on self-report data, some of which were estimates (e.g. waitlist lengths at placement end). Future research could employ other methods (e.g. work activity diaries) to increase reliability.

Originality/value

By highlighting the valuable contribution made by trainees while on placement, this study supports the continued funding of clinical training programmes in the RoI.

Citation

Feely, D. and Byrne, M. (2015), "A profile of psychologists in clinical training caseloads in Ireland", The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 85-90. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-09-2014-0025