WONCA introduces the MDD Minds Project
Transforming Mental Health Care: WONCA introduces the MDD Minds Project
WONCA is proud to announce the launch of the MDD Minds project in collaboration with the WONCA Working Party on Mental Health, and Mosaica Solutions. The overarching goal of this initiative is to improve the quality of care for patients suffering from major depressive disorders in Africa-Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.
For two days, the Steering Committee of the Project met to establish milestones, timelines, and plans for the successful execution of the project. As a result, the first stage of the project is now underway.
Representing the WONCA Working Party on Mental Health at the meeting were Chris Dowrick and Christos Lionis. Mary Ales and Shelly Rodrigues represented Mosaica Solutions, while WONCA CEO, Dr Harris Lygidakis and Roberto Munoz, Senior Project & Fundraising Officer coordinated the meeting at WONCA headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
Depression is a global issue, as it is now the leading cause of disability worldwide. Unfortunately, between 50% and 90% of people suffering from depression are not diagnosed or treated properly. The integration of mental health care into primary care, particularly within the field of family medicine, is a priority for international agencies.
The MDD Minds Project aims to strengthen physicians’ competencies and confidence in managing mental health problems while enabling shared decision-making for treating major depressive disorders.
MDD Minds for Primary Care | FAQS
Q. What is MDD Minds?
MDD stands for Major Depressive Disorder. WONCA is implementing MDD Minds for Primary Care Project, a 30-month project, in collaboration with the WONCA Working Party on Mental Health, and Mosaica Solutions.
Q. What is the goal of the project?
The overall goal of this program is to enhance the quality of care for major depressive disorders delivered by family doctors in Africa/Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.
Q. Why is it important?
Depression is a global issue, as it is now the leading cause of disability worldwide. Unfortunately, between 50% and 90% of people suffering from depression are not diagnosed or treated properly. The integration of mental health care into primary care, particularly within the field of family medicine, is a priority for international agencies.
The MDD Minds Project aims to strengthen physicians’ competencies and confidence in managing mental health problems while enabling shared decision-making for treating major depressive disorders.
Q. Who are the beneficiaries of the project?
The ultimate beneficiaries are the patients. Their family doctor will acquire knowledge, develop skills, and be empowered in the diagnosis and management of MDD.
Q. How do you plan to achieve the goal?
By implementing a training course together with a train-the-trainer program and a performance in practice scheme to apply the acquired knowledge and skills.
The training is aimed to increase physician competence in identifying depression and anxiety, educating patients, and employing shared decision-making, selecting appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapy, communicating with specialists in making referrals, and follow-up with patients to revaluate care.
Because of this, the trained physicians will be better equipped to help patients suffering from depression and anxiety.
Q. How is the project funded?
The funds come from an unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer.
Q. Has the donor any influence on the project?
No, the main characteristic of an unrestricted grant is that the donor, in this case Pfizer, cannot influence any part or stage of the project (including its design, development, implementation, monitoring and dissemination phases), thus always guaranteeing its complete independency and autonomy.