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Improving External Rotations in Psychiatry Residency Programs: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 August 2025

J. P. Carrasco*
Affiliation:
Hospital Provincial Castellón, Castellón
J. Esteve
Affiliation:
Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
C. Conde-Pumpido
Affiliation:
Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
B. Herraiz
Affiliation:
Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
J.-I. Etxeandia-Pradera
Affiliation:
Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
E. Aguilar
Affiliation:
Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

External rotations allow psychiatry residents to gain exposure to different clinical settings and practices. However, the availability and quality of these rotations vary significantly across training units. This study evaluates residents’ experiences with external rotations and identifies areas for improvement.

Objectives

To assess the time allocated for external rotations in different training units and explore residents’ suggestions for improving these rotations.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to psychiatry residents in Spain. Quantitative data regarding the total time allowed for external rotations was collected, and qualitative responses were analyzed to identify recurring themes for improvement.

Results

A total of 109 responses were analyzed. Quantitatively, 60% of residents reported being allowed 1 to 3 months for external rotations, while 25% stated they had more than 3 months. Only 15% indicated that external rotations were not offered in their unit. Qualitative analysis revealed that the main areas for improvement included more flexibility in choosing rotation locations (40%), better financial support for rotations outside of the home institution (35%), and greater clarity in the application process for external rotations (25%).

Rotation Time AllowedPercentage (%)
1 to 3 months60
More than 3 months25
No external rotations offered15
ThemePercentage (%)
Flexibility in location choice40
Financial support35
Clarity in application process25

Conclusions

The majority of psychiatry residents are allocated 1 to 3 months for external rotations, but many see room for improvement in terms of flexibility, financial support, and clarity in the application process. Enhancing these aspects could make external rotations more accessible and beneficial for residents.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Information

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of European Psychiatric Association
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