CQU's International Program of Psycho-Social Health Research initiative has published an article in collaboration with psychiatric experts, describing an innovative approach for psychiatric training in Queensland.

The collaboration developed and refined a psychiatric training package for schizophrenia through an interactive workshop.

The details of the training package are described within a comprehensive report.

The focus of the training package’s approach is that of the consumer; the person seeking psychiatric services.

A unique feature of this approach was the merging of two paradigms: a professional paradigm with a scientific background; and a paradigm based on the knowledge gained from the lived-experience of those suffering from schizophrenia.

The report focuses on: (1) evidence-based treatments; (2) modern psychiatry with a consumer centred and recovery orientated approach; and (3) sensitising trainees to ethical issues. The report states how this collaboration planned for and managed inevitable tensions that arise when dominant preconceived beliefs are challenged.

The result is an involving, richly complex and flexible training package that engages successive groups of psychiatric trainees. The hope is that others will find the content and process of the case study a useful medium for responding to the philosophy and practice of modern public psychiatry.

The details of this report, published in the International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, can be found via www.ipp-shr.cqu.edu.au/recoverymentalill.htm .