Developing a scalable training model in global mental health: pilot study of a video-assisted training Program for Generalist Clinicians in Rural Nepal.

BACKGROUND: In low- and middle-income countries, mental health training often includes sending few generalist clinicians to specialist-led programs for several weeks. Our objective is to develop and test a video-assisted training model addressing the shortcomings of traditional programs that affect scalability: failing to train all clinicians, disrupting clinical services, and depending on specialists. METHODS: We implemented the program -video lectures and on-site skills training- for all clinicians at a rural Nepali hospital. We used Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to evaluate pre- and post-test change in knowledge (diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, and appropriate treatment). We used a series of 'Yes' or 'No' questions to assess attitudes about mental illness, and utilized exact McNemar's test to analyze the proportions of participants who held a specific belief before and after the training. We assessed acceptability and feasibility through key informant interviews and structured feedback. RESULTS: For each topic except depression, there was a statistically significant increase (Δ) in median scores on knowledge questionnaires: Acute Stress Reaction (Δ = 20, p = 0.03), Depression (Δ = 11, p = 0.12), Grief (Δ = 40, p < 0.01), Psychosis (Δ = 22, p = 0.01), and post-traumatic stress disorder (Δ = 20, p = 0.01). The training received high ratings; key informants shared examples and views about the training's positive impact and complementary nature of the program's components. CONCLUSION: Video lectures and on-site skills training can address the limitations of a conventional training model while being acceptable, feasible, and impactful toward improving knowledge and attitudes of the participants.

Prostatic abscess a diagnostic dilemma.

Abscess of the prostate has become increasingly rare due to modern antibiotics and a decreasing incidence of gonococcal infections. It is still difficult to diagnose the disorder on clinical grounds. Diagnosis is often made after Ultrasound examination. We report 2 cases of prostatic abscess and review etiopathogenic factors, clinical findings, diagnosis and treatment of this uncommon entity.

Incidence of tuberculosis in enlarged neck nodes, our experience.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of tuberculous lymphadenitis in enlarged neck nodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Continuous prospective study is carried out in the department of otorhinolaryngology head & neck surgery, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu, during two years, from January 2006 to January 2008. The study included a group of 155 patients with cervical lymphadenopathy. Each patient underwent a detail clinical Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) examination and a battery of investigations which included Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) of the nodes, Montoux's test, blood Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and chest X-ray. Those patients with tubercular lymphadenitis were referred to Directly Observed Therapy System (DOTS) clinic for anti-tubercular therapy. Others with reactive lymphadenitis were treated with antibiotic and those with metastatic neck nodes were treated accordingly. RESULTS: Of the 155 cases with enlarged neck nodes, 83 (54%) had tubercular lymphadenitis. Fifty two (33%) cases had reactive lymphadenitis and 17 (11%) cases were diagnosed with metastatic neck nodes. Fine needle aspiration cytology was found to be highly effective in the diagnosis of tubercular lymphadenitis with 94% accuracy. Majority of patients were otherwise healthy adults, aged between 8 - 71 years. No difference was observed between male and female in this study. Posterior triangle (PT) nodes were most commonly affected group of nodes accounting for 35 (42%) cases and preauricular region 1 (1%) case being the least commonly affected site. Fifteen (18%) cases presented with abscess formation. Only 42 (50%) cases had family history of tuberculosis but 8 (9%) patients had previous history of various forms of tuberculosis. Twelve (14%) patients had positive chest X-ray findings suggesting of concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis. All the patients were referred to DOTS clinic and were treated with category (CAT) - III anti tubercular therapy (ATT). Others with concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis were treated with CAT I regime. None of the patients required surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: There is high incidence of tubercular cervical lymphadenitis in patients with enlarged neck nodes in developing countries like Nepal. Involvement of cervical lymphnodes are the most commonly affected group of nodes. Therefore, it is important that otolaryngologists are aware of tuberculosis in the head and neck region.