3 minute read
FEATURED STORIES
by WONCA
F E A T U R E D S T O R I E S
WP ON MENTAL HEALTH
FEATURED STORIES
ADVOCACY
IS AN ART THAT CAN BE LEARNED
THIS PROGRAM WAS FUNDED BY A DISCRETIONARY GRANT FROM WONCA EXECUTIVE, THE FARLEY CENTER AND FACULTY VOLUNTEERISM.
BACKGROUND
The burden of mental health disorders continues to grow and is a major cause of disability worldwide. Patients frequently present with mental health issues in primary care settings. The WONCA Working Party for Mental Health collaborated with the Farley Health Policy Center todevelopandimplementapilotprogramtohelp young family doctors learn the steps and process to integrate mental health care into primary care delivery, develop the skills needed for practice transformation, and enable them to become advocatesforsystemchangeintheirlocalarea.
METHODS
Learners: Twelve young family physicians from ten countries - Australia, Ghana, Guyana, Indonesia, Kenya, Nepal, Peru, Spain, Sri Lanka, andTunisia–inurbanandruralsettings. Faculty:UnitedStates,England,HongKong Two six-person cohorts met in facilitated, virtual monthly sessions via Zoom for 90 minutes, March – September 2020. Asynchronous learning occurred between sessions using e-learning modules, books, and other resources. Each participant set individual program goal and had access to mentorship from a senior family physician.Atwo-phaseevaluationprocessatmidpoint and program-end included learner focus groups, written questionnaires, and faculty focus groups. Introduction to behavioural health integration Leadership Team-basedcare Qualityimprovement Burnoutandresilience Advocacy
Prof Christopher Dowrick, WONCA Working Party for Mental Health
CURRICULUM
F E A T U R E D S T O R I E S
LEARNER PROGRAM GOALS
FEATURED STORIES
Educate other primary care clinicians and health care workers about integrated care, behavioural health conditions, and advocacy forbetterbehaviouralhealthcare(5learners) Improve team-based care to address behaviouralhealthneeds(3learners) Establish high-quality systems of care to addressbehaviouralhealthneeds(2learners) Collate community resources for social prescribing(1learner) Increase patient awareness of behavioral health issues and available supports (1 learner)
EVALUATION NEXT STEPS
Learners reported increased confidence and skills to implement change. They established clearvisionsforwhattheycandointheirown settings and made incremental progress on their program goals. “I now approach obstacles as a challenge. What I’ve learned last few weeks is never stop knocking on the door. And if you find a closed door, could be directingyoutosomethingmoresuccessful. ” Learners were resilient, flexible, and committed to the program during the COVID19 pandemic. Participating in the program was therapeutic and a reminder of why they choseprimarycare Learners were invested in each other’s goals and lives. They were inspired by one another, valued the experience and expertise among the diverse group, and plan to remain connected.
“Learning there are people trying to improve primary care around the world, especially related to mental health issues, is verymotivating. ”
Learners continue to work towards their program goals and stay connected via WhatsApp group, and with support from programfacultyandmentors. Writeproposalstofundfuturecohorts.
READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE - ADVOCACY TRAINING FOR YOUNG FAMILY DOCTORS IN PRIMARY MENTAL HEALTH CARE: A REPORT AND GLOBAL CALL TO ACTION
F E A T U R E D S T O R I E S
FEATURED STORIES
ASTANA DECLARATION
ANNIVERSARY
In 1978, a pivotal conference was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, bringing together health experts and world leaders to commit to health for all. Endorsed at that conference, the declaration formed the foundation for the last 40 years of globalprimaryhealthcareefforts. The Global Conference on Primary Health Care in Astana, Kazakhstan in October 2018 endorsed a new declaration emphasizing the critical role of primary health care around the world. The declaration aims to refocus efforts on primary healthcaretoensurethateveryoneeverywhereis able to enjoy the highest possible attainable standardofhealth. WONCA was present at the Global Conference on Primary Health Care in Astana. Now, on its 4th anniversary, we launch a recognition campaign to raise awareness for this international declaration and commitments to PHC strengthening, reflecting on progress/difficulties in different countries and sharing the perspectives of the WONCAYoungDoctorsMovements.
READ THE DECLARATION HERE
WONCA was represented at the Global Conference on Primary Health Care by Past President, Dr Donald Li and former executive representatives
