Database on ICD-11 MBND course modes for Spanish-speaking clinicians

The Clinical Descriptions and Diagnostic Guidelines (CDDG) for the eleventh version of the WHO´s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), and Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MBND) constitute a substantial improvement over ICD-10 MBND CDDG. As part of the efforts to implement ICD-11 MBND CDDG in Spanish-speaking countries through continuing education for health professionals, this study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of a comprehensive online training course and its modalities (synchronous and asynchronous) to increase both the knowledge of and readiness to use this novel, evidence-based diagnostic tool. <b>METHOD</b>: A sample of Spanish-speaking psychiatrists, psychologists and general practitioners completed pre- and/or post-evaluations of one of the two modalities of ICD-11 MBND CDDG (asynchronous or synchronous). Knowledge of the material was evaluated at the end of the course through an ad hoc multiple-choice questionnaire, and readiness to implement ICD-11 MBND CDDG<i> </i>was evaluated before and after the course using an instrument based on the transtheoretical model developed by Prochaska and Diclemente, consisting of a linear scheme with five stages of change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. <b>RESULTS</b>: More women than men, younger health professionals and more clinicians from Mexico than any other country participated in the synchronous than in the asynchronous course. Prior to the course, most participants were at the pre-contemplation stage of readiness to implement the ICD-11 MBND CDDG. By the end of the course, participants reported a moderate level of knowledge of the ICD-11 MBND CDDG (with those in the synchronous course reporting higher levels of knowledge than those in the asynchronous one), while the percentage of clinicians at the preparation and action stages was higher than before the courses (with no differences being observed by course modes). <b>CONCLUSIONS</b>: Online training proved useful for achieving a moderate level of knowledge of the ICD-11 MBND CDDG and a substantial increase in clinicians’ readiness to implement them as part of their regular professional practice. Whichever course mode is preferred and feasible is recommended for interested Spanish-speaking clinicians.