01 - Improving Access to Care for People With Schizophrenia and/or Depression in Armenia

Abstract

Disease awareness and educational materials on schizophrenia and depression were developed (or adapted): 2 posters, 2 leaflets, 2 comic books, 1 flip-chart. Dissemination of disease awareness and educational materials to 330 HCPs trained on schizophrenia and 159 GPs trained on depression to reach at least est. 310,500 people / year. Docket system developed and approved by MoH to assess number of patients identified by trained GPs and referred to psychiatrists is being implemented. Conclusions Despite significant delays to political changes following the Armenian "Velvet Revolution", the training sessions conducted have already shown positive outcomes in terms of improvement in knowledge, attitudes and practices of GPs and nurses.However, the main challenge will be evaluating the number of patients identified by trained HCPs and referred to psychiatrists (only possible if docket system is being used).