Evaluation of learning management system-based diploma in primary care psychiatry program: Usefulness, satisfaction, and feedback from participants

In India, about 80% of individuals with mental health disorders do not receive adequate treatment. To reduce the treatment gap, the National Institute of Mental Health and NeuroSciences developed various training programs for primary care doctors (PCDs), including the diploma in primary care psychiatry (DPCP) online program. The current DPCP program uses multiple technology platforms and has more manual work. Hence, the entire training process is planned to integrate into one learning management system (LMS). The objective of this study is to evaluate the usefulness, satisfaction, and feedback from participants of the LMS-based DPCP program. The study involved 12 PCDs from Bihar, India, who completed the LMS-based DPCP program. Feedback was collected using a self-report pro forma that assessed six domains related to LMS experience. The results indicated high satisfaction levels and ease of use among participants; most of them agreed that the LMS was user-friendly and also very satisfied with the LMS. However, one-fourth of participants reported taking time to familiarize themselves with the system, and half of them found LMS less helpful for formative assessments. The LMS-based DPCP course provides effective primary care psychiatric training, with participants reporting high satisfaction levels. However, there is a scope for improvement in formative assessments.