Effectiveness of a low-cost curriculum among entry-level psychiatric rehabilitation workers.
OBJECTIVE
The Annapolis Coalition on the Behavioral Workforce recommended the creation of a portable, low-cost, and effective curriculum to train entry-level psychiatric staff. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a portable, state-financed orientation course on psychiatric rehabilitation for entry-level workers throughout Pennsylvania.


METHODS
The standardized course was offered to 367 staff between September 2005 and April 2006. The trainees' pre- and postcourse scores were compared on an empirically validated measure of psychiatric rehabilitation principles and practices. The trainees' scores were also compared with the scores of a national sample of members of the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, which served as a benchmark.


RESULTS
A significant and robust (d=.99) training effect was observed when the trainees' pre-post course scores were compared. The trainees' mean postcourse scores significantly exceeded those of the benchmark sample.


CONCLUSIONS
A continuing education format can provide portable, low-cost, and effective basic education in psychiatric rehabilitation to entry-level workers.
Casper
Edward S
ES
Department of Psychiatry, Drexel University College of Medicine, P.O. Box 45357, Philadelphia, PA 19124-2399, USA. ecasper@drexelmed.edu
McNelis
Donna
D
Carey
Veronica
V
Oursler
Janice
J
D000328:Adult; D001524:Behavioral Medicine / Q000193:education; D019985:Benchmarking; D003479:Curriculum; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D010414:Pennsylvania; D011361:Professional Competence; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education*; D013663:Teaching / Q000191:economics*; D000078329:Workforce