Evaluation of the PAHO/WHO training program on the detection and treatment of depression for primary care nurses in Panama.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the efficacy of a training program developed by Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) for primary care nurses aimed at improving their capacity to detect and manage depression.


METHODS
Changes in knowledge and clinical practice were assessed in a group of primary care nurses in Panama who underwent the program. They were compared with a group of controls.


RESULTS
Nurses who underwent the training program showed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge and detection of depressive disorders. In addition, they increased their notification of patients with depression to the primary care physician. No change was noted in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
The results point to the benefit of the PAHO/WHO training program for primary care nurses in the care of major depression. Further studies are required to confirm these results.
Moreno
P
P
Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, Division of Health Promotion and Protection, Mental Health Program, Washington, DC, USA.
Saravanan
Y
Y
Levav
I
I
Kohn
R
R
Miranda
C T
CT
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing*; D004493:Education / Q000592:standards*; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010175:Pan American Health Organization; D010176:Panama; D011321:Primary Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D014944:World Health Organization