Enhancing mental health pre-service training with the WHO mhGAP Intervention Guide: experiences learned and the way forward

Abstract There is currently a high global demand for mental health professionals, including child and adolescent mental health professionals. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) published “Enhancing mental health pre-service training with the mhGAP-Intervention Guide: experiences and lesson...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Silje Akselberg Iversen, Brian Ogallo, Myron Belfer, Daniel Fung, Christina W. Hoven, Kenneth Carswell, Norbert Skokauskas
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2021-01-01
Series:Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-020-00354-2
Description
Summary:Abstract There is currently a high global demand for mental health professionals, including child and adolescent mental health professionals. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) published “Enhancing mental health pre-service training with the mhGAP-Intervention Guide: experiences and lessons learned” to address the proposition of implementing Mental Health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) materials and principles as a component of pre-service training. By integrating the mhGAP-IG within pre-service training, future healthcare providers will acquire theoretical knowledge and early exposure to practical knowledge and will be better prepared for their future work. Examples demonstrate that mhGAP-IG pre-service training can be successfully implemented in diverse settings and in various pre-service training programs. It can be used in small group learning activities and short courses, taught through lectures, used as a clinical tool to teach students (i.e. medical, nursing students) and medical doctors in training. We can enhance pre-service training with the mhGAP-IG and contribute to a learning environment, which nurtures knowledge and skills required to help people with mental health needs.
ISSN:1753-2000