Medico-legal work of psychiatrists: direction, not drift

Abstract

Summary Newly appointed consultants should not 'simply drift into (medico-legal) work because solicitors have asked them to’. They should already have had expert witness training. This is a challenge for training scheme organisers and consultant trainers. There should be no shortage of training opportunities. Core training should include the preparation of ‘ghost’ reports drafted by trainees but owned by the consultant. Higher training should provide opportunities for trainees to prepare reports in their own right albeit under supervision. Background reading and experience of court are also needed. Such training should avoid newly appointed consultants having to decline solicitors' requests to prepare psychiatric reports.