Advanced: Head of Addictions Unit, Dr Don Wilson, course convener Sharon Klentjes, and addiction specialist Bronwyn Myers will drive the new postgraduate diploma in addictions care.
The Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health has developed a new part-time postgraduate diploma to provide mental health workers with advanced training in addictions care.
The 24-month course is starting in April, and is open to registered mental health and health workers such as general practitioners, social workers, psychiatric nurses, nurses and psychologists.
One of the challenges to address substance abuse and addictive disorders in South Africa is a limited workforce and limited evidence-based training opportunities, says course convener, Sharon Kleintjes.
“This new qualification will provide graduates with a good grounding in evidence-based care for addictions, exposure to the latest thinking, as well as practical experience of addictions treatment in clinical settings and supervision,” Kleintjes explains.
Students working in clinical settings will be required to apply their new knowledge within their field under supervision, while those who don’t will have to complete a 10-week placement in a clinical environment prior to graduating.
The programme will arm graduates with knowledge of alcohol and drug epidemiology in South Africa, the ability to conduct comprehensive assessments, and a theoretical understanding of addiction. Participants will also acquire special expertise in the provision of evidence-based behavioural interventions for alcohol and drug dependence, knowledge of how to effectively manage addictive disorders among special populations, as well as skills and knowledge on how to monitor treatment service quality and client outcomes.
Read More on University of Cape Town / Daily News: Training advances skills in addiction-care
