Identifying Core Global Mental Health Professional Competencies: A Multi-Sectoral Perspective

Abstract

AbstractConcerned with sustainably alleviating mental distress and promoting the right to health worldwide, global mental health (GMH) is practised across various contexts spanning the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. The inherently intersectoral and multidisciplinary nature of GMH calls for competency frameworks and training programmes that embody diversity, decolonisation and multiprofessionalism. Existing competency frameworks have failed to capture the multi-sectoral, inter-professional nature of contemporary GMH practice. In response to these needs, a qualitative content analysis of relevant job advertisements was conducted to distil a comprehensive set of professional competencies in contemporary GMH practice. Approximately 200 distinct skills and competencies were extracted from 70 job advertisements and organised into four meta-dimensions: ‘skills’, ‘sector’, ‘self’ and ‘subject’. The first known systematic attempt at a multi-sectoral GMH competency framework, it offers a springboard for exploring vital yet overlooked professional competencies such as resilience, self-reflection, political skills and entrepreneurialism. On this basis, recommendations for building a competent, agile and social justice-oriented GMH workforce with diversified and future-proof skillsets are proposed. The framework can also inform inter-professional training and curriculum design, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at early-career professional development, particularly in low- and middle-income settings.Impact StatementProfessional competency frameworks play an important role in the education, training, employability and continuous professional development of the diverse – multi-disciplinary and multi-professional – global mental health workforce. To reflect this diversity, a novel, multi-sectoral global mental health competency framework was developed from a job market analysis and a stakeholder consultation. This framework encompasses a range of job families such as advocacy, policy, service delivery, programme management, capacity development and research and teaching. As such, it is applicable across geographical settings, career stages and global mental health-related job titles. Far from being a definitive list, the framework highlights the immense variety of interpersonal, technical, cognitive and knowledge-based competencies demanded from employers across sectors and roles. Alongside the well-recognised, quintessential competencies such as collaboration, cultural sensitivity, integrity and intervention delivery, educators, trainers, managers and other leaders should develop trainees’ and professionals’ resilience and adaptability; creativity and curiosity; and entrepreneurial and reflective skills. The professional development tool documented in this article can foster inter-professional mobility and education, together with the design of courses and curricula that are aligned with employer needs and contemporary challenges. Ultimately, the framework is designed to trigger reflection and professional skills analysis, and inspire lifelong learning.