Training process to improve the integrated mental health care of unaccompanied minors in Greece: trainer and manager perspectives

Purpose This study explored trainers’ and managers’ perspectives during a national Train-of-Trainer programme on how to integrate mental health care across accommodation centres for unaccompanied minors (UAMs) in Greece. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal qualitative design explored the learning process during the training and its cascaded implementation, with a particular focus on its integrated care context. Fourteen trainers and their managers participated in focus groups at different time points of the programme. Data were integrated and analysed through a thematic codebook framework. Findings Established themes related to challenges and benefits of concurrently addressing diverse training needs, especially among caregivers and administrative staff, integrating interprofessional education to care activities and sustaining impact through organisational support. Practical implications Experiential interprofessional training provides a mechanism for cascading knowledge and skills to improve the integrated mental health care of vulnerable children. This requires ongoing investment, trainer support and an organisational culture that endorses integrated education and care. Originality/value This programme involved a strategic approach of involving all staff working in accommodation centres for UAMs rather than solely mental health professionals and endorsed a Train-of-Trainer cascade of knowledge and skills to enhance local capacity and sustain benefits.