Feasibility Study of a Digital WHO Mental Health Guide for Substance Use Disorders in Primary Care in Pakistan

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a digital adaptation of the World Health Organizations Mental Health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide, specifically the Substance Use Disorders SUD module version 2.0, tailored for primary care settings in Pakistan. This study aims to customize and test the feasibility and acceptance of this digital training program to improve mental health services for substance use disorders among primary care physicians in urban and rural areas of three major cities in Pakistan. The study involves two groups one group will receive eight training sessions every two weeks using the adapted e-mhGAP-IG-SUD mobile application in Urdu, focusing on better screening, diagnosis, management, and referral for young people with substance use disorders. The other group will continue with their usual standard care and routine practices for managing SUD. This approach combines traditional and technological methods, including blended learning and telemedicine. Participants, specifically primary and non-specialized healthcare providers working permanently in selected health facilities, will be involved from enrollment through a 4-week intervention period. Researchers will measure feasibility outcomes related to the training program during this time. The study also monitors participant adherence and acceptance of the mobile training app. This trial is sponsored by the Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning and aims to enhance mental health care delivery in primary care units across Pakistan.

Contextualization and Digitalization of WHO's Mental Health Action Gap Intervention Guide Substance Use Disorders Module