Abas, Melanie A., Nhiwatiwa, Sekai M., Mangezi, Walter, Jack, Helen, Piette, Angharad, Cowan, Frances M., Barley, Elizabeth ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9955-0384, Chingono, Alfred, Iversen, Amy and Chibanda, Dixon (2014) Building mental health workforce capacity through training and retention of psychiatrists in Zimbabwe. International Review of Psychiatry, 26 (4). pp. 453-459. ISSN 0954-0261

PDF psychiatry in zimbabwe 2014.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (126kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Despite the need to improve the quantity and quality of psychiatry training in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), very little is known about the experiences of psychiatric trainees in the region. This is the first study examining psychiatric trainees in a low-income country in SSA. It was carried out as part of the needs assessment for a unique Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI) programme to find African solutions for medical shortages in Africa. We approached all doctors who had trained in post-graduate psychiatry in Zimbabwe in 2010 and conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with all except one (n = 6). We analysed the data using constant comparison and thematic analysis.
Trainees described the apprenticeship model as the programme's primary strength, through providing clinical exposure and role models. Programme weaknesses included shortages in information sources, trainee salaries, trainers, public health education, and in the mental health service. Most respondents were, however, eager to continue practising psychiatry in Zimbabwe, motivated by family ties, national commitment and helping vulnerable, stigmatized individuals. Respondents called for sub-speciality training and for infrastructure and training to do research. Resources need to be made available for psychiatric trainees in more SSA settings to develop public health competencies. However, investment in psychiatry training programmes must balance service provision with trainees’ educational needs. Directing investment towards needs identified by trainees may be a cost-effective, context-sensitive way to increase retention and learning outcomes.

Item Type:	Article
Identifier:	10.3109/09540261.2014.924487
Subjects:	Medicine and health > Mental health
Depositing User:	Elizabeth Barley
Date Deposited:	02 Jun 2016 10:43
Last Modified:	04 Nov 2024 12:17
URI:	https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/2342

Actions (login required)

View Item