8
The trainees all indicated that the Basic Skills training was useful to their everyday work,
whilst most (85%) indicated that the Core Counselling programme had been useful.
In answer to how often the trainees had used their skills in managing psychological
disorders, most indicated using the skills on a near daily basis as can be seen from the
table below.
How often acquired skills used
Never
Once a month
Once a fortnight
Once a week
Every day
1
0
1
1
9
As can be seen from the table below, the average number of clients seen was about 18 per
nurse, with a total of 210 patients over the past six months. Three participants indicated
that they had seen many patients, but have no numbers.
Number of patients seen
In the past week
In the past month
In the past six months
Total number seen
32
57
121
210
The trainees indicated that they had used a variety of approaches. Five participants
indicated that they had used all three methods.
Treatment given
Counselling
Medication
Other
11
7
4
Torture and trauma were examined separately. The trainees were asked whether they had
seen torture or trauma cases, and 11 of the 12 indicated that they had.
The trainees had not seen as much torture or trauma cases as ordinary cases of
psychological disorder, but they had nonetheless seen a large number between them as
indicated in the table below.
Number of patients seen
In the past week
In the past month
In the past six months
Total number seen
11
38
37
86
Training nurses in the assessment and management of psychological disorders: Report of AMANI Trust’s
programme in Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe.