background There is a need for a detailed explanation of how estimates are made for the workforce planning of psychiatrists in the Netherlands.
aim To elucidate the way in which recommendations are made for the influx in the training of psychiatrists.
method The workforce planning process is outlined on the basis of (policy) documents.
results Estimates are made using various evaluated planning techniques.
conclusion Apart from using demand and supply projections, active involvement of stakeholders (participatory policy development) is a prerequisite to realise recommendations for the influx in psychiatry training.