Diploma in addiction behaviour

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
• Public Health Policy
• Medical Education

Background:

• The Institute of Psychiatry, University of London, established the inaugural international Addiction Behaviour course in 1986.
• The course aimed to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary education in addiction studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the structure and content of the first international Addiction Behaviour course.
• To assess the academic performance and consensus on the value of the course among diverse students.

Main Methods:

• A one-year, full-time, multidisciplinary curriculum integrating basic sciences, clinical aspects, service organization, and national policy development.
• Clinical teaching in specialized facilities and community organizations, supplemented by tutorials, seminars, and research workshops.
• Assessment via continuous evaluation, written, oral, and clinical examinations.

Main Results:

• A consensus was reached on the value of the course content, irrespective of students' varied backgrounds.
• Four out of six students successfully obtained a Diploma.
• One student received a distinction for outstanding academic work.

Conclusions:

• The multidisciplinary Addiction Behaviour course was perceived as valuable by students from diverse backgrounds.
• The course structure effectively integrated theoretical knowledge with practical clinical and policy experience.
• The program demonstrated success in training addiction professionals, evidenced by student outcomes.