A flipped classroom approach combined with PBL to exploring the clinical psychology training for grassroots psychiatrists

Abstract

Objective To explore the effective and efficient method of continuing education in clinical psychology for grassroots psychiatrists. Methods A clinical psychotherapy training program was launched for the 15 grassroots psychiatrists in one mental health hospital by using flipped classroom approach combined with problem-based learning method, using 'Wechat group’ for discussing after class. The training lasts for 4 weeks 24 hours, 2 times a week and altogether 8 lessons, 3 hours for each lesson. There are four main themes of the training: basic methods of psychotherapy; the theory and application of group psychotherapy of in hospital patients; skills and strategies in therapeutic interviews; psychological therapy for common problems among children and adolescents. Each theme includes 1 basic theory session and 1 supervision session. After the training, the satisfaction degree of the participants was investigated. Before and after the training, the specific training effects are explored by self-control method by quantitative and qualitative ways. Results The satisfaction survey showed that the overall satisfaction rate was 100.0%, and the 'student discussion’ had the lowest satisfaction rate of 66.7%. Quantitative analysis showed that students got improved in all three aspects of clinical psychology: 'professional knowledge’, 'skills’ and 'confidence level’. Conclusions The program using flipped classroom approach combined with PBL were effective and efficient in clinical psychology training for grassroots psychiatrists, and were worthy of further study and promotion. Key words: Grassroots psychiatrist; Clinical psychology; Problem-based learning; Flipped classroom; Continuing education