What do psychiatrists think about primary mental health competencies among family doctors? A WPA–WONCA global survey. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ng, R.M.K.; Chan, T.F.; Herrman, H.; Dowrick, C.
• Is Part Of: BJPsych international. Volume 18:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 18
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Mental health competencies, -- World Psychiatric Association, -- World Organization of Family Doctors, -- primary care, -- psychiatric education; Psychiatry, Transcultural -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Comparative psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1192/bji.2020.32
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-4740

Abstract

Abstract : People with common mental disorders often seek medical attention from their family doctors. Thus, it is essential for family doctors to possess primary mental health knowledge. The aim of this study was to understand whether psychiatrists endorse the primary mental health competencies identified by the World Organization of Family Doctors and whether they agree that family doctors are demonstrating these competencies. A questionnaire was constructed based on 32 core competencies. Presidents of all World Psychiatric Association member societies were invited to complete the questionnaire or to forward it to local experts. According to the respondents, these competencies are considered relevant yet not sufficiently possessed by typical primary care doctors. Proposals are made to bridge this assumed competency gap.