Psychiatrist workforce planning: contexts, considerations and recommendations.

There is a lack of detailed evidence regarding effective psychiatric workforce planning. Planning may be based on a foundation of psychiatrist-to-population ratios. This would be modified by needs assessment, understanding of service models and existing service demand. Given that it has recently expressed significant concerns about workforce shortages, the RANZCP should lead development of an independent Australasian psychiatric workforce planning model to inform policy advice to governments.