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Interest in the subject: It is key
to have a central interest in patients with mental illness, with a
willingness to back this up with a theoretical understanding of
sciences underpinning psychiatry.
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Communication skills: It is vital
to be able to talk to patients sensitively, especially when they
are unwell. Communicating with relatives and colleagues effectively
is also important.
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Psychological mindedness: Having an
interest in psychological theories and treatments is necessary.
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Organisation skills: A lot of the
day-to-day work is juggling reviewing patients with paperwork and
meetings. Time management is important.
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Information synthesis: Patients
often have complex histories, so summarising background information
is important.
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Team working: Multidisciplinary
working is a key part of psychiatry.
Dr Meinou Simmons
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Page last updated on 26 January 2009
by E Baker-Glenn