Release of Structured Learning Activity: Critical Thinking in Psychiatry

The College is pleased to announce the upcoming release of a new Structured Learning Activity (SLA) on Learnit, focusing on the important aspect of critical thinking in psychiatry.

The release will follow a staggered implementation schedule. We are planning for the first two sections of the learning module will be available from 24 October 2025, with the remaining two sections released on 28 November 2025.

This adjusted timeline is a slight delay from the original advised date of September 2025. There has been strong interest from various College members in assisting in developing the module, so extra time was required to ensure high-quality content creation and thorough review before publication.

Requirements for Trainees and SIMGs

• The initial module release will be for further feedback and evaluation.
• Completion of the SLA (Learning Modules) will be optional until August 2026, subject to a satisfactory evaluation by the Education Committee.
• All participants will be invited to provide feedback on the content, which will inform further refinements.
• Trainees and SIMGs who have previously passed the Critical Essay Question (CEQ) will not be required to complete the SLA or any replacement activity prior to Fellowship.
• Trainees and SIMGs who choose to complete the SLA during the optional period will have this activity recorded and not be required to undertake any future alternative activity or assessment.
• More information on the transition rules is available in the FAQs.

About the Structured Learning Activities

The SLA learning modules are designed to strengthen critical thinking skills in psychiatric practice. They progress from foundational concepts to advanced applications, with a focus on:

• Understanding what critical thinking is and its importance in Psychiatry
• Tools of Critical Thinking and Argumentation
• Common Sources of Error and Bias in Clinical Reasoning
• Applying Critical Thinking Skills in Ethics and the Law

Each module includes interactive content and reflective exercises to support the application of learning in clinical contexts.

Any member of the College community will be able to undertake the modules, and we encourage all members to do so. Fellows will receive CPD points for completing the modules.

A number of College members, including Fellows, Trainees, people with Lived Experience and First Nations peoples have contributed to the development of the modules. The course outline has been reviewed by several College Education committees. We would like to thank these people for their contributions and also recognise the work of the College Written Examination Subcommittee whose work on the previous Critical Essay Question examination over many years provides a foundation for the new learning modules.

Further details are available on the SLA webpage.