Mental Health Gap Action Programme training in Nigeria: reflections for progressive learning among primary care workers.

Journal: BJPsych international

Volume: 19

Issue: 2

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  Child And Adolescent Psychiatrist, Child And Adolescent Mental Health Unit, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, UK, email: alvina.ali@leicspart.nhs.uk. Consultant Psychiatrist, PEIR Team, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, UK.

Abstract summary 

In the majority of low- and middle-income countries, mental healthcare is delivered by primary care workers. Often, they are the only contact for patients and their families. Although their knowledge base can be limited, they are expected to manage complex cases with few resources. The authors describe their experience of partnership with mental health centres set up by the Nigeria Health Care Project, and training their primary care workers based on the World Health Organization's Mental Health Gap Action Programme. Although the programme was very effective in helping to upskill their knowledge and experience, a need for continued professional development was highlighted. Based on their feedback, multiple evidence-based options are explored, including the use of remote learning and social media (increased significantly around the world because of the COVID-19 pandemic), to help primary care workers improve their knowledge base and maintain their competencies with the limited resources available.

Authors & Co-authors:  Ali Alvina A Chakraborty Nandini N

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Manjunatha N, Kumar C, Math S, Thirthalli J. Designing and implementing an innovative digitally driven primary care psychiatry program in India. Indian J Psychiatry 2018; 60(2): 236–44.
Authors :  2
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1192/bji.2021.32
SSN : 2056-4740
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
Mental health;primary care;training
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Niger
Publication Country
England