Care at doorsteps for psychiatric disorders by the community volunteers (CAD-CV): Volunteers training and impact assessment.

Abstract

Background: Mental illness is a leading cause of disability worldwide. As it is a chronic illness, proper follow-up and treatment is necessary to improve the quality of life of individuals. Lack of human resources in mental health services is the primary barrier to reach out to the needy. We tried to train volunteers in different fields to see the effectiveness in providing Care at Doorsteps for improving mental health.

Materials and methods: Volunteers were identified from various fields such as College students' part of NSS and NCC, Student Nurses, Teachers, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, Rotarians and general public who were willing to attend a session regarding basic mental health and do home visits in community to screen and identify mental illness and to provide psycho education.

Results: From April 2023 to June 2024, we trained 4755 volunteers in different streams and tried to implement CAD through them. Response rate from students was very minimal as many of them could not make any home visits. We have conducted sessions in 20 nursing colleges among which 7 colleges have reported back after continuous follow-up. 168 ASHA workers were trained and followed up in Doddabalapur, Tumkur and Chikkamagalur district. 400 Anganwadi workers from Kadur Taluk in Chikamagaluru were also trained and followed up.

Conclusion: Care At Doorstep is a proven model for chronic psychiatric disorders involving volunteers in providing CAD in communities was a first-time attempt. Recruiting and proper follow-up for volunteers can help in reaching out to many unreached in the society.