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| Published: September 23, 2020

A mixed method approach to evaluate the tele-ECHO mentoring model for counselors from rural India in the management of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)

Sandeepa Kaur

M.Phil in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychologist, Cora Healthcare, Bengaluru, India. Google Scholar More about the auther

, Kanika Mehrotra

M.Phil in Clinical Psychology, PhD Scholar, Department of Clinical Psychology, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, India Google Scholar More about the auther

, Mallikarjun Rao Sagi

DNB Psychiatry, Consultant psychiatrist, State Mental Health Hospital, Bilaspur, India Google Scholar More about the auther

, Prabhat Chand

Professor of Psychiatry and Office in charge; NIMHANS Digital Academy, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, India Google Scholar More about the auther

, Pratima Murthy

Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, India. Google Scholar More about the auther

, Sanjeev Arora

Distinguished Professor of Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA Google Scholar More about the auther

DIP: 18.01.122/20200803

DOI: 10.25215/0803.122

ABSTRACT

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a growing public health problem in India. In addition, a large treatment gap exists between people requiring care for SUD and available human resources. To address this enormous need the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) adopted the ECHO (Extension of Community Health and Outcome) model. We conducted periodic tele-ECHO clinics with a team of 37 remote counselors from an Indian state, linking them with NIMHANS multidisciplinary addiction experts. We used digital tools like whatsapp and sli.do to engage the participants and evaluate their learning. We collected monthly reports from participants to understand the number of SUD cases seen by them. Pre-tests and post-tests were done to understand if the training program had made any impact on their knowledge and confidence. Finally, we administered a written survey to assess their satisfaction level with the training program. We used a mixed method approach to analyze the program. Findings suggest that the program led to significant improvements in participants’ knowledge, treatment practices, and self-confidence in the management of substance use and related disorders. There was a difference in the mean scores from the pre-test (M=6.94±1.69) to the final post-test scores (M=10.03±1.74). The t-test value for paired means was statistically significant at 7.1017 (p<0.0001). 3195 patients (including follow ups) have received treatment from these tele-mentored counselors over the period. All the participants rated themselves as confident in their knowledge. All the participants reported that their skills for handling patients with SUDs have improved through this training program. NIMHANS ECHO tele-mentoring model can be an effective model in providing quality training in substance use and related disorders to counselors working in the rural and underserved areas.

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Sandeepa Kaur @ sandeepakaur1992@gmail.com

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Article Overview

ISSN 2348-5396

ISSN 2349-3429

18.01.122/20200803

10.25215/0803.122

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Published in   Volume 08, Issue 3, July-September, 2020