The Psychiatrist (2009) 33: 353-355. doi: 10.1192/pb.bp.108.020172
© 2009 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Education & Training

A training experience to remember: working in Ghana

Norman Poole, Locum Consultant Neuropsychiatrist

*The Burden Centre, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol BS16 1JB, email: normanpoole{at}googlemail.com

Peter Hughes, Consultant Psychiatrist

Balham & Tooting CMHT, and Training Programme Director, Springfield University Hospital, London

Declaration of interest

N.P. received an educational grant from Wyeth and Janssen-Cilag and financial support from the Board of International Affairs of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

AIMS AND METHOD

As part of a pilot project, one of the authors spent 3 months undertaking clinical work, teaching and research in a large psychiatric hospital in Accra, Ghana. The other acted as a UK-based mentor. Both report on the training value of the experience.

RESULTS

It was possible to assimilate into the local healthcare system and effect some modest but sustainable changes. The experience broadened the trainee’s understanding of psychiatry, cultural influences and healthcare systems, while also developing autonomy and resilience.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The post is now an option available to trainees on the rotation. Projects in training and service delivery to benefit the host institution have been identified.