TNMU Faculty Participated in Training on Managing Mental Health Disorders at the Primary Care Level Using the mhGAP Program
From November 5-8, 2024, a training session, “Managing Common Mental Health Disorders at the Primary Care Level Using the mhGAP Guide,” was held in Lviv. The event was part of the nationwide mental health program “How Are You?”, aiming to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills to manage mental, neurological, and substance use disorders (MNS disorders) even in non-specialized healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Training
The training focused on bridging gaps in mental healthcare by empowering primary care workers with tools for effective diagnosis and treatment of MNS disorders. It was developed based on the Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP) by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The training was attended by faculty from the following TNMU departments and institutes:
Department of Pediatrics, FPE
Institute of Nursing
Department of Advanced Nursing Education, Patient Care, and Clinical Immunology
Department of Psychiatry, Narcology, and Medical Psychology
Department of Therapy and Family Medicine, Faculty of Postgraduate Education (FPE)
Department of Therapeutic Dentistry
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, FPE
Key Topics Covered
Interactive skill-building: Included role-playing, simulation of clinical scenarios, and hands-on practice to improve real-world application.
Relevance of mental health at the primary care level: Addressing primary care’s critical role in mental health management.
Approaches to managing common disorders: Focused on identifying and treating prevalent mental, neurological, and substance use disorders.
Resources and tools: Review materials and methodologies provided under the mhGAP framework.
Training Highlights
- Interactive Learning: Participants engaged in role-play as “doctor” and “patient,” tackling real-world clinical cases, which deepened their understanding of the complexities of working with individuals with mental health disorders.
- Practical Relevance: The program highlighted the challenges of delivering care in resource-limited settings and strategies to overcome them.
About the mhGAP Program
Launched in Ukraine in November 2022 through the Ministry of Health’s initiative, mhGAP combines evidence-based approaches with modern diagnostic and treatment methods. It also emphasizes developing empathy and effective patient communication, making it an innovative tool for mental healthcare integration.
The training underscores the importance of integrating mental health services into family medicine—a vital step in Ukraine’s healthcare reform. Such initiatives highlight the growing recognition of mental health as a priority in holistic patient care, helping address service gaps and improve outcomes.
