Evaluating the Experience of a Postgraduate and Faculty Study Tour Program in the Field of Mental Health: A Mixed-methods Study

Abstract

Background: Study tours are known to have an important role in enriching the knowledge of students in all fields. Our study aimed to evaluate the experience of a postgraduate and faculty study tour in the field of mental health. Methods: We obtained both quantitative and descriptive feedback from 31 participants who had taken part in the annual study tour conducted in the years 2014–2018 using a specially designed feedback pro forma. Results: All the participants reported overall satisfaction with the tour. Learning was enhanced, and most found the tour relevant to their current field of study. They particularly enjoyed the experience of traveling in a peer group without faculty supervision and learning to make decisions as a group. Their chief concerns were about the continuous travel and the limited time allotted to each center. Conclusions: A well-planned study tour during training helps trainees in the mental health field improve their knowledge, hone practical skills, and learn life lessons; it promotes bonding with peers and fosters self-directed learning and independence. The limitations were the inability to have direct face-to-face interviews with most participants and the study tour centers being limited to a small geographical area.