Twin reflections : a consumer-driven schizophrenia workshop for psychiatry registrars

This report describes an innovative approach in the education of trainee psychiatrists in Queensland, Australia. Using a multidisciplinary panel with a central role of a consumer, together with an interactive facilitative workshop approach, a training package for schizophrenia was developed and refined, concentrating on the streams of (1) evidence-based treatments (2) modern psychiatry with a consumer centred and recovery oriented approach (3) sensitising trainees to ethical issues. A unique feature of this education approach is the way it brings together 2 paradigms: the dominant professional one with its scientific background, with the less dominant one of the body of knowledge in terms of consumer lived experience. This report describes how the multidisciplinary, multi-perspective group that comprised of this educational panel planned for and managed the inevitable tensions that arise when dominant preconceived beliefs are challenged. This ethical perspective stresses a non-paternalistic approach, informed by psychosocial factors but balanced by important principles regarding professional responsibility. The result has been an involving, richly complex and flexible workshop that has engaged successive cohorts of psychiatrist trainees in reflective discussion that varies according to individual need.