A comprehensive training program for professionals working in mental health promotion centers in Hungary

Abstract

BackgroundIn a 12 month long mental health promotion pilot programme funded by the Norway Grants, 6 mental health promotion centers (MHPCs) are being set up in various locations in Hungary, employing 2 mental health professionals each, whose main commitment is to develop a local network of key stakeholders. The aim of the project is to enable MHPC professionals to perform network building tasks involving knowledge transfer and attitude changes regarding the following key areas: depression, suicide, dementia, stress and risk assessment.ObjectiveTo measure the effectiveness of the training and education process by using indicators for feedback, knowledge transfer and attitude changes.MethodsThe comprehensive TTT (train the trainers) process of MHPC professionals targets 3 main domains:– improving presentation skills;– knowledge transfer (measured with tests);– elaborative workshops about mental health problems (measured by attitudes at baseline, post-training and 3 months post-training).ResultsThe satisfaction assessment of the initial 3 days long training averaged 4.73 on a 5-point Likert-scale. Altogether, 12 (2/centres) knowledge transfer trainings are being delivered evaluated by attitude change and general satisfaction questionnaires. One elaborating workshop per center has been delivered during the study period. Being a process still underway, the outcome results will only be available by the conference.ConclusionThis procedure enables professionals to disseminate trainings and build networks for mental health promotion in their micro-regions. The optimized version of this pilot program will be delivered on a national level in future projects.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.