title: A qualitative evaluation of leadership development workshops for mental health workers from four Pacific Island Countries.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper provides a qualitative evaluation of a series of leadership development workshops held at the New South Wales Institute of Psychiatry (NSWIOP) for mental health workers from Papua New Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Marshall Islands, and Palau.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen mental health workers attended the week-long training focused on project management and partnership development skills. In-depth interviews were conducted with participants at the commencement and conclusion of the training, and questionnaires were completed. A focus group was conducted with the NSWIOP organisers. The data was analysed using qualitative techniques to identify emergent themes for both participants and NSWIOP project team.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All Pacific Island participants responded positively to the training. All reported greater confidence in taking on formal or informal leadership roles in the workplace, developing project planning skills and interpersonal skills such as networking and partnerships. The NSWIOP organisers identified strengths and weaknesses in the delivery of this training.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The strong partnerships developed between NSWIOP and the Ministry of Health in all four countries contributed to the success of the training. Leadership Development Programs are an important aspect of building capacity in the mental health services of Pacific Island Countries.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatry Fellow, New South Wales Institute of Psychiatry, Parramatta, NSW, Australia paul.fung@ucmh.org.au.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fung
authors.affiliation: Director, New South Wales Institute of Psychiatry, Parramatta, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Ros
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Montague
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004493:Education / Q000592:standards*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008849:Micronesia; D010219:Papua New Guinea; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Pacific region; evaluation; global mental health; leadership development; project management