title: A survey of pedagogical approaches and quality mechanisms used in education programs for mental health professionals.
abstract: The provision of high-quality education and training that is responsive, relevant, accessible and evidence based is critical if the vision for quality mental health services presented in recent policy initiatives in Ireland is to be fulfilled. This paper reports the findings related to pedagogical approaches and quality assurance mechanisms utilized within mental health education. The study involved canvassing all Higher Education Institutions in Ireland. A total of 227 courses in 31 educational institutes were identified and 149 questionnaires were returned from 129 Course Coordinators. Various quality processes were identified in existing programs; however, formal feedback from service providers, service users and carers was seldom reported. Ongoing evaluation and quality assurance strategies are a key element of governance and there is a need to develop strategies that explore the impact of education programs on mental health education and health outcomes. Recommendations are made in terms of future interprofessional mental health education and practice.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. mccanned@tcd.ie
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McCann
authors.forename: Agnes
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.forename: Gerry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Maguire
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Watts
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Creaner
authors.forename: Shobha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rani
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D004517:Education, Professional; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007494:Ireland; D008603:Mental Health / Q000193:education*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D011786:Quality Control; D013663:Teaching / Q000592:standards*