Medical education for a primary care : teaching psychology to health students at Makerere University

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Psychology was introduced in the medical curriculum at Makerere University in 1989 in order to enable Ugandan health workers to be able to work with communities in the promotion of health and the prevention of ill health. Originally; a series of lectures were delivered on topics relevant to health care. Teaching was re-designed in 1992 for second year students; and this comprised of case-study; case write-up; and presentations. Objectives: To evaluate the method of teaching psychology at Makerere University Faculty of Medicine. Methods: a questionnaire comprising of two statements concerning (a) the choice of methods of teaching preferred by students (b) students' opinion on type of work they would choose in the future; was administered to first and second year medical; dental; and students. Results: Second year students preferred being taught using case study and presentations while first year students preferred lectures and handouts. In addition; 58.1of second year students believed that they would prefer to work as all round medical doctors while only 4.8 believed they would as psychiatrists. However; 44.1of first year students indicated that they would be general duty medical officers; and none indicated interest in psychiatry at this level of training. Conclusion: The findings have important implications for the training of general duty medical officers for the future provision of mental health care at primary care settings in Uganda