Training and Publications

China-Hong Kong-Australia Tripartite Training Program



China's deep commitment to, and rapid development of, community mental health services has required significant capacity development for their existing mental health workforce. To respond to this need,  Asia-Australia Mental Health, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Institute of Mental Health Peking University are currently collaborating to develop and deliver a culturally sensitive, tripartite training program in case management for mental health workers across China.

 

The training program was developed by leading mental health experts across the three partners including Prof. Bruce Singh, University of Melbourne, Prof. Helen Chiu, Chinese University of Hong Kong and Prof. Yu Xin, Institute of Mental Health Peking University. An MOU between the three partners was signed in Shanghai in September 2007.

 

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Signing of the Tripartite Training Agreement MOU in Shanghai 2007: Back Row: L->R: A/Prof. Chee Ng, Co-Director, AAMH; Prof. Jack Cheng, Pro-Vice-Chancellor/Vice-President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Prof Xie Bin,  Deputy President Shanghai Mental Health Center. Front Row: L->R: Prof Helen Chiu,  Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prof. Bruce Singh, Chair, AAMH; Prof. Yu Xin, Director, Peking University Institute of Mental Health 
 

Under this train-the-trainer program, the Chinese participants initially participate in workshops about the principles and practice of case management. These workshops have so far been delivered in Guangzhou (March 2007), Wuhan and Beijing (May 2008). Currently, over 600 mental health workers representing all provinces in China have participated. Having completed this initial training, the Chinese mental health workers then undertake clinical placements in case management with their colleagues in Hong Kong.

 

During the training for the Chinese participants, expert case managers in Hong Kong are being trained by Australian case managers in train-the-trainer techniques to enhance their ability to train their Chinese colleagues. The Hong Kong case managers then undertake advanced clinical case management training in Australia. Once they return to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong case managers become the "trainers" for their Chinese colleagues. 

 

This highly innovative and culturally sensitive approach to case management training is playing a key role in assisting Chinese mental health workers to develop the skills necessary to undertake effective community mental health care.  

 

Mick Deans and Bridget Organ, trainers at Tripartite Training in Guangzhou March 2007

 
Mr Michael Deans and Ms Bridget Organ, case management trainers from Asia-Australia Mental Health at the workshop in Guangzhou on 16th March, 2007.
 

You can read more about AAMH's partnership with China on our China page.