Vanuatu Psychiatry Mentorship Programme: a case illustrating cultural and clinical considerations. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Obed, Jimmy; Bush, Allister; Stathis, Stephen; Hunter, Ernest
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 28:Number 1(2020:Feb.)
• Page Start: 58
• Page End: 60
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Vanuatu -- psychiatry -- mentoring -- indigenous; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856219895186
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this article are to describe a case highlighting challenges in managing an acute psychiatric presentation, the process of mentorship and the significance of cultural matters influencing family engagement in Vanuatu. Method: Case description. Results: This case highlights resourcing constraints facing a small mental health team in the Pacific, the clinical significance of the concept of tabu in a ni-Vanuatu context and the importance of family decision making processes in ni-Vanuatu culture. Conclusion: A structured mentoring programme to foster mental health capacity development in Vanuatu can support psychiatric decision-making in complex cases, reflection on the role of culture in formulation and family engagement, and mutual learning.