A training program in cross-cultural psychiatric assessment: Development, delivery and evaluation

In Australia, as in many countries, cultural and linguistic diversity poses particular challenges for mental health professionals assessing clients from diverse cultures. Previous research shows cross-cultural differences in manifestations of mental disorders are associated with disparities in mental health service provision. The 5-stage project reported in this book is guided by a program logic framework. Context analysis of population and mental health data shows disparities in treated prevalence for mental disorder, involuntary admission, and diagnosis of clients from ethnic communities. A training needs analysis shows clinicians' confidence in cross-cultural mental state assessments was relatively low. To enhance the cross-cultural clinical competence of crisis assessment teams a training program in Cross-cultural Psychiatric Assessment is developed and delivered. Outcome and impact evaluations examine knowledge acquisition, confidence on clinical assessment instruments, transfer to practice, community contact frequency. and hospital admissions. Cross-cultural mental health educators will find of value both the training program and the evaluation methodology.