Master of Philosophy in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Purpose

The aim is to train competent child and adolescent psychiatrists to attend to the mental health and psychiatric needs of children, adolescents and families. This involves the development of excellent clinical skills in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with mental health problems, and developing research and critical appraisal skills. The student will develop good communication skills and be able to work in a multidisciplinary team and work with multiple external agencies that might be caring for the child/adolescent. A further aim is to develop teaching, leadership and management skills. It is hoped that the graduate will be a strong leader in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry and also be an advocate for the mental health needs of children and adolescents.

Rationale

The Master of Philosophy in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry trains medical doctors to become subspecialists in child and adolescent psychiatry, which is a subspeciality that forms part of the credentialing process for child psychiatry practice in South Africa.

Entry Requirements

• Master of Medicine in Psychiatry National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9;

Or

• A qualification recognised by the Senate as comparable.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory modules

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Part 1 (PRY7006W), 120 Credits.
• MPhil in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry minor dissertation (PRY7010W), 60 Credits.

1. Develop clinical, research and teaching skills in child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health.
2. Have specific clinical skills in the specialist psychiatric assessment and treatment of children and adolescents using a bio-psycho-social formulation that is culturally sensitive and includes differential diagnoses.
3. Specialist knowledge of psychopathology, assessment tools, medical investigations and treatment modalities including various psychological therapies and medical treatments.
4. Able to work at the primary and secondary care level to provide ongoing support and mental health promotion.
5. Have leadership skills.
6. Be an effective communicator with patients, families, colleagues and outside agencies.
7. Able to work in a multidisciplinary team as well as with multiple agencies such as social development and education when treating children and adolescents.
8. Teach junior colleagues and other professionals and families.
9. Display ongoing professionalism, continuous learning, self reflection, appraisal and leadership.
10. Take a lead in clinical governance.
11. Be an advocate for child and adolescent mental health services.
12. Have an in-depth understanding of medico-legal aspects in the field, particularly ethical issues pertaining to children and adolescents.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

• Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and minimum clinical requirements to register as a subspecialist.

Integrated Assessment

Candidates undergo full-time clinical training by the University while being employed as senior registrars by the provincial health department on the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) approved University training platform. In the course of their training, and at end, candidates undergo examinations set by the relevant College of Medicine of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. The curriculum is delivered via recommended reading, development of a detailed portfolio of cases, bedside teaching, teaching rounds, presentations at meetings and journal clubs and practical experience in clinics and wards. The assessment strategy is aimed at assessing whether candidates have mastered the basic sciences and/or other foundational knowledge required for their clinical work, and whether they have met the minimum clinical requirements to register as subspecialists. These requirements are set by the Colleges of Medicine and are usually assessed in the form of a clinical logbook, an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), objective structured practical examinations (OSPE) and written paper/s.

In order to register as subspecialists the candidate is not required but may opt to complete a dissertation for which external examination is arranged by the University. Subspecialist trainees who opt not to complete the dissertation may register as subspecialists after passing College exams and meeting minimum clinical training time on successful completion of College examinations. They receive the relevant College of Medicine certification. Those candidates who also produce a dissertation receive a University degree.

For registration with the HPCSA in the subspeciality of child psychiatry, psychiatrists must pass the examinations for the Certificate of Child Psychiatry set by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA). The examination consists of a three-hour written paper, a clinical examination, and an oral examination. There is on-going assessment of performance through regular supervision sessions and at seminars. There is also continuous in-course evaluation by means of observed clinical interviews, and oral examinations every six months. Following these assessments, there is critical evaluation of the candidate's progress. At the end of the programme, candidates are formally assessed by means of:

• A three-hour written examination.
• In-course assessment reports.
• The presentation and examination of a dissertation.