title: How do trainees rate the impact of a short cognitive behavioural training programme on their knowledge and skills?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A strong evidence base for cognitive behavioural therapy has led to CBT models becoming available within mainstream mental health services. As the concept of stepped care develops, new less intensive mental health interventions such as guided self-help are emerging, delivered by staff not trained to the level of accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapists.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine how mental health staff evaluated the usefulness of a short training programme in CBT concepts, models and techniques for routine clinical practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cohort of mental health staff (n = 102) completed pre- and posttraining self-report questionnaires measuring trainee perceptions of the impact of a short training programme on knowledge and skills. Mentors and managers were also asked to comment on perceived impact of the training.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Trainees and mentors reported perceived gains in knowledge and skills posttraining and at 1-year follow-up. Managers and trainees reported perceived improvements in skills and practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A short Cognitive Behavioural skills programme can enable mental health staff to integrate basic CB knowledge and skills into routine clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Queen's University,Belfast,Northern Ireland.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Duffy
authors.affiliation: CT Training, Dublin,Republic of Ireland.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gillespie
authors.affiliation: Health Service Executive,Southern Region,Waterford,Republic of Ireland.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: O'Shea
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008611:Mentors; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires