Diploma in primary care psychiatry: An innovative digitally driven course for primary care doctors to integrate psychiatry in their general practice

Pahuja, Erika; Santosh, KT; Harshitha, Nisha; Fareeduzaffer,; Manjunatha, Narayana; Gupta, Ravi; Kumar, C. Naveen; Math, Suresh Bada; Chandra, Prabha S.

doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102129

Cited by 11 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Periodic collaborative engagement (in terms of video and audio consultations) could have contributed to better outcomes (Pahuja et al, 2020). Identification of potential common mental disorders and substance use problems is a relatively novel and important finding from the public health point of view.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Accessible digital technology has now made it relatively easy to reach out to community health workers and carries the potential to exponentially transform the training landscape. Several capacity-building programs in mental health are being carried out in India including non-specialist doctors, Community Health Officers (CHOs) (Ibrahim et al, 2020(Ibrahim et al, , 2021Pahuja et al, 2020) nurses, and counsellors in Addiction medicine. (Bairy et al, 2019;Mehrotra et al, 2018;Sagi et al, 2017)An important research question is to see if technology can be seamlessly utilised in training CHWs.…”

Section: Technology and Training In Mental Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Impact of Technology Driven Mental Health Task-shifting for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs): Results from a Randomised Controlled Trial of Two Methods of Training

Nirisha

Malathesh

Kulal

et al. 2022

Community Ment Health J

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Mental health task shifting is a potential way to address the burgeoning treatment gap for mental illness. Easily available and accessible digital technology can be utilised to continuously engage grassroot level health workers (for example, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). However, the impact of such a strategy is not yet systematically evaluated. In this randomised controlled trial, longitudinal hybrid training of ASHAs [1 day in-person classroom training and seven online sessions (ECHO model), aimed to screen and refer to commonly prevalent mental health issues in communities] was compared with traditional one-day in-person classroom training. ASHAs (n = 75) from six Primary Health Centres in Ramanagara district, Karnataka, India were randomized into study (SG-ASHAs) and control (CG-ASHAs) groups. After excluding drop-outs, 26 ASHAs in each group were included in the final analysis of the scores on their Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) in mental health. Two house-to-house surveys were conducted by both groups to identify and refer possible cases. The number of screen positives (potential persons with mental illnesses) and the KAP scores formed the outcome measures. Online sessions for SG-ASHAs were completed over 18 months, the COVID-19 pandemic being the main disruptor. SG-ASHAs identified significantly higher number of persons with potential alcohol use disorders [n = 873 (83%); p ≤ 0.001] and common mental disorders [n = 96(4%); p = 0.018], while CG-ASHAs identified significantly higher number of those with potential severe mental disorders [n = 61(61.61%); p ≤ 0.001]. As regards KAP, after controlling for baseline scores, the time effect in RMANOVA favoured SG-ASHAs. Mean total KAP score increased from 16.76 to18.57 (p < 0•01) in SG-ASHAs and from 18.65 to 18.84 (p = 0.76) in CG-ASHAs. However, the Time-group interaction effect did not favour either (F = 0.105; p = 0.748). Compared to traditional training, mentoring ASHAs for extended periods is more impactful. Easily accessible digital technology makes the latter feasible. Scaling up such initiatives carry the potential to considerably improve treatment access for those in need.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Technology and Training In Mental Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Technology Driven Mental Health Task-shifting for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs): Results from a Randomised Controlled Trial of Two Methods of Training

Nirisha

Malathesh

Kulal

et al. 2022

Community Ment Health J

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“…Considering the dearth of human resources, the NIMHANS Digital Academy was started to empower existing human resources. Digital certification courses like Diploma in Community Mental Health 8 and Diploma in Primary Care Psychiatry 9 , 10 were started. These programs are currently underway in different states like Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand to empower primary care doctors in psychiatry.…”

Section: Health Education/capacity Building: Leveraging Digital Technmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Future of Telepsychiatry in India

Ibrahim

Pahuja

Dinakaran

et al. 2020

Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine

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Technology is bringing about a revolution in every field and mental health care is no exception. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has provided us with both a need and an opportunity to use technology as means to improve access to mental health care. Hence, it is imperative to expand and harness the tremendous potential of telepsychiatry by expanding the scope of its applications and the future possibilities. In this article, we explore the different avenues in digital innovation that is revolutionizing the practice in psychiatry like mental health applications, artificial intelligence, e-portals, and technology leveraging for building capacity. Also, we have also visualized what the future has in store for our practice of psychiatry, considering how rapid technological advances can occur and how these advances will impact us. There will be challenges on the road ahead, especially for a country like India for instance; the digital divide, lack of knowledge to utilize the available technology and the need for a quality control and regulation. However, it is safe to presume that telepsychiatry will evolve and progress beyond these roadblocks and will fulfill its role in transforming health care. Telepsychiatry will improve the health care capacity to interact with patients and family. The blurring of national and international borders will also open international opportunities to psychiatrist in India, heralding a new wave of virtual health tourism.

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“…National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has been a pioneer in such capacity building programs ( Pahuja et al, 2020a ). Many innovative models, courses and curricula have been developed ( Manjunatha et al, 2018 ; Pahuja et al, 2020b ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A report on successful introduction of tele mental health training for primary care doctors during the COVID 19 pandemic

Philip

Patley

Chander

et al. 2022

Asian Journal of Psychiatry

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Treatment gaps of 60-70%, reflecting, amongst many other factors, Human Resources shortfalls means that 150 million India never accessed mental healthcare. In Punjab, mental health training is required in primary health centers. A short-term synchronous training was conceptualized by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences. A total of 114 primary care doctors participated for the training. Substantial positive changes in knowledge, attitudes and practices were noted. Task sharing and capacity building initiatives can be undertaken during the pandemic to meet the demand for mental healthcare service delivery.

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Diploma in primary care psychiatry: An innovative digitally driven course for primary care doctors to integrate psychiatry in their general practice

Cited by 11 publications

References 4 publications

Impact of Technology Driven Mental Health Task-shifting for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs): Results from a Randomised Controlled Trial of Two Methods of Training

Impact of Technology Driven Mental Health Task-shifting for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs): Results from a Randomised Controlled Trial of Two Methods of Training

The Future of Telepsychiatry in India

A report on successful introduction of tele mental health training for primary care doctors during the COVID 19 pandemic

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