Evaluation of a Master of Science in Integrated Clinical and Community Mental Health (MSc ICCMH) program in Ethiopia.

Abstract

Introduction: The shortage of trained manpower in the field of mental health remains a significant obstacle to the treatment of people with mental illnesses in low and middle-income countries. In 2010, a new Master of Science in Integrated Clinical and Community Mental Health (MSc ICCMH) program for non-physician clinicians was established at Jimma University to address this shortage in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the competency, satisfaction, and involvement level of graduates of the program.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the graduates of the program. Data were collected with a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire that was developed for the study. Responses were recorded on a Likert scale to assess graduates’ competency and satisfaction level. The quantitative data were summarized by descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, and frequencies. Qualitative data were transcribed and analyzed thematically.Result: Until June 2015, 32 trainees had graduated from the MSc ICCMH program; 87.5% (n=28) of these graduates participated in the study. Almost all (96.4%, n=27) graduates were working in public institutions. The majority (75%, n=21) were directly engaged in the clinical care of patients. Also, two-thirds of the graduates (67.9%, n=19) were involved in mental health research. All of the graduates felt confident in conducting psychiatric assessments of adults and identifying and managing common mental disorders (100%, n=28). Similarly, 100% (n=28) of the graduates reported that they felt confident in identifying and managing severe mental illnesses.Conclusions: The outcome of the program is a considerable workforce of skilled mental health professionals. The majority of graduates were retained within the public mental health service. Brain drain does not appear to be a challenge among non-physician mental health specialists. The findings on the self-perceived competencies mirror the amount of clinical exposure during the training. With a minimal revision of the curriculum, the level of satisfaction and competencies can be enhanced.