title: Utilizing dispersed mental health para-professionals for scattered Pacific islands: a micronesian experience.
abstract: A mental health program developed for the huge tropical Pacific area of Micronesia is described. Training of para-professionals as mental health coordinators for the six main island districts of Micronesia was undertaken to respond to the most pressing mental health needs of these scattered islands. Adequate follow-up care of the chronically mentally ill was the first priority with less urgent needs addressed secondarily. Frequent on-island visits by the supervising psychiatrist to teach patient-related evaluation and treatment procedures was of importance. A program with dispersed para-professional coverage and centralized supervision may have relevance for other large areas with a scattered and low population.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008849:Micronesia; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D011247:Pregnancy