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Issues of Quality in Psychiatric Education: Latin American Perspective

Edgard Belfort

Director of the Universidad Central de Venezuela’s Child Psychiatry Graduate Program; Professor of Psychiatry at
the Universidad Central de Venezuela; Head of Children and Youth Unit of the Psychiatric Hospital of Caracas;
Past President of the Latin American Psychiatric Association (APAL) , Venezuela

Content: In Latin America and the Caribbean, as in other continents, economic progress, social
transformation, cultural perspective, and an extended longevity have been accompanied by an
increase in psychosocial issues and the prevalence of mental disorders. Mental health and
educational restructuring programs should consider these aspects as essential not only for individual
welfare, but also for economic growth and for reducing poverty in societies and countries.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, available information suggests that all ethnic and
socioeconomic groups may be affected by unusual conditions. In general, limited attention has
been given to this issue and there has been little research in this regard. The resources available to
meet the burden of mental disorders are inadequate, unequally distributed and sometimes
ineffectively used, leading to gap in treatment greater than 75% in low and middle-low income
countries, according to WHO estimates. Considering these aspects, among others, it is necessary to
seek opportunities for change that will enable quality care and efficiency in dealing with this
problem.
Programs of mental health care for vulnerable groups, such as indigenous peoples and communities
affected by natural disasters, as well as those addressing the psychosocial problems of children and
adolescents, the suicidal behavior, the issues associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse, and the
increase of the different forms of violence, which requires the active participation of mental health
services, should be address. Training programs (both undergraduate and graduate) should address the
real mental health needs of the population.
Bibliography:
Talbot John A., Hales R.E,: Administrative Psychiatry, New concepts for a Changing Behavioral
Health System, American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc. London, England, 2001.
Saraceno B, Bertolote Jm: Psychosocial rehabilitation: a consensus statement, Doc:
WHO/MNH/MND/ 96:2, World Health Organization, Geneva, 1996.