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Table 1 Approaches and mechanisms for successful capacity building

From: Barriers and drivers to capacity-building in global mental health projects

Theme

Approach/mechanism

Training

Training of Trainers approach and peer-to-peer learning promotes sustainability and adaptation to local context

Refresher or booster trainings help maintain skills and promote fidelity

Flexible training schedules or shorter sessions make it easier for busy providers to attend

Low intensity training is easier to scale or pass on to local stakeholders

Teaching problem solving skills (such as troubleshooting) builds independence

Active learning approaches (group work, role playing, hands-on training) complement more theoretical or didactic approaches

Supervision

Regular face-to-face meetings or check-ins between staff and supervisors (when possible) foster strong relationships

Taping sessions to be reviewed by a specialist can provide ongoing feedback and learning

Periodic performance evaluation helps monitor increases in skill and knowledge and assess readiness for greater independence

Debriefing with supervisors can help address challenges of service delivery

Quality Assurance

Client feedback can be used to monitor quality and satisfaction

Audio-recorded sessions can be used to give feedback on quality of counselling sessions

Effective mechanisms and approaches to supervision provides quality control (e.g. peer supervision)

Using technology can support effective quality assurance processes