An Effectiveness-implementation Hybrid Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial to
Evaluate Add-on Online Mental Health Training for Primary Care Doctors in
Influencing Their Management of Commonly Prevalent Psychiatric Disorders:
Description of the Methodology
#MMPMID41346801
Sabhahit GG
; Das N
; Ramachandraiah R
; Hegde PR
; Patley R
; Parthasarathy R
; Manjunatha N
; Kumar CN
; Math SB
Indian J Psychol Med
2025[Dec]; ? (?): 02537176251397152
PMID41346801
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BACKGROUND: Building capacity in primary mental healthcare supports effective
task-shifting and sharing. Using technology in this context offers convenience
and scalability. METHODS: We describe the methodology of a novel
effectiveness-implementation hybrid randomized controlled trial to evaluate the
effect of an add-on online mental health training (OMHT) program for primary care
doctors (PCDs) on their management of commonly prevalent psychiatric disorders.
The comparator was training as usual (TAU).Nine (9) taluks of Tumkur District in
Karnataka state were divided into study (SG) and control group (CG) clusters
through randomization (SG-6; CG-3). TAU: an annual, in-person training program
for 2 days on identifying and treating commonly prevalent psychiatric disorders
in the community. was received by all PCDs across the district. An add-on OMHT
(12 hours of digital training followed by supportive handholding through
Collaborative Video Consultations for 3 months) was provided to the PCDs in SG.
Primary outcomes included comparison of diagnostic concordance, treatment
concordance, and combined concordance (diagnosis and treatment) between the
assessors (research psychiatrists) and PCDs. Secondary outcomes were comparison
of (a) short-term clinical outcomes of patients with psychiatric disorders
treated by PCDs using standardized scales, (b) implementation questionnaire
having a bearing on integrating mental health into primary healthcare delivery
systems and (c) procurement pattern of psychiatric medications at Primary Health
Centers (PHC) across three phases: 4 months pre-training, training (4 months) and
4 months post training. RESULTS: The results of this trial are described
separately in other articles. CONCLUSIONS: The trial's results shed light on the
utility of online training methods for PCDs to hone their skills in primary care
psychiatry. It would also provide insights into the implementation barriers and
facilitators for capacity-building programs, as well as their translation into
clinical practice. REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry of India
(CTRI/2024/02/062906).
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