Case vignette-based evaluation of psychiatric blended training program of primary care doctors.

Abstract

Introduction:The need to integrate psychiatry in primary care is increasingly recognized as the favorable strategy worldwide. The contribution of primary care doctors (PCDs) is extremely important toward it. However, majority PCDs find it difficult to diagnose and treat common psychiatric disorders. Many training programs developed for PCDs, with different methods employed for posttraining evaluation. One of such program is blended psychiatric training program developed at our center.Aim:Case vignette-based outcome evaluation of on-site section of blended psychiatric training of PCDs at the end of 2 weeks.Materials and Methods:Two qualified psychiatrists designed the ten case vignettes after pilot use. Data were collected at baseline and at the end of 2 weeks on-site-training program. Major psychiatric diagnoses and treatments were covered. The responses to each vignette were evaluated with maximum marks 10 (5 each for diagnosis and treatment).Results:The mean age of the 21 participants was 43.1 ± 7.3 years. The posttraining score (83.42 ± 10.38) was significant higher than the baseline score (42.4 ± 23.10).Conclusion:Blended program for training of PCDs in psychiatric disorders significantly improves their diagnostic and treatment capabilities.