Representatives of TNMU’s Nursing Institute Participated in Discussion on Mental Health and University Training
On December 13, 2024, Svitlana Danchak, Director of the Educational and Research Institute of Nursing, and her deputy, Vita Slavopas, participated in a roundtable discussion titled “Reimagining Workforce Training for Mental Health Services: Presentation and Discussion of Research Findings.”
The event in a hybrid format (online and offline) in Kyiv brought together leading mental health, education, and public health experts. It aimed to present research findings identifying gaps in university educational programs related to mental health knowledge and skills among nursing educators, social work, and psychology professionals.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Expanding access to mental health services through the training of new specialists.
- Integrating mental health components into academic curricula.
- Recommendations for updating state policies regarding preparing professionals in mental health and social services.
Svitlana Danchak and Vita Slavopas contributed to a panel discussion on enhancing curricula, raising awareness among educators and students, and fostering collaboration between educational institutions, government bodies, and community organizations.
Highlights from the Research Presentation:
A particularly significant part of the roundtable was the presentation of findings from the research “Understanding Educational Gaps in Mental Health Curricula from the Perspective of University Educators and Practicing Professionals.” The speakers emphasized the importance of introducing modern methodologies and approaches to the academic training of future nurses and social workers.
Outcomes and Recommendations:
The event concluded with a discussion of practical recommendations for updating educational programs and strategies to develop specialists in the field of mental health. The roundtable underscored the critical need for ongoing dialogue and innovation to address the evolving demands of mental health services in Ukraine.