Dip CMH – B37 for Medical Officers
Diploma in Community Mental Health
Dip CMH - B37 for Medical Officers
Six-Month Blended Learning Digital Certificate Course
NIMHANS Digital Academy
Course Overview
The Diploma in Community Mental Health is specially designed for Medical Officers (MBBS or above) working in various parts of the country. This course provides a basic understanding of various common mental conditions and their effective management.
Perfect For:
- Medical Officers serving in community health settings
- Doctors willing to upskill in managing mental health issues
- Healthcare providers seeking to bridge the mental health treatment gap
Course Objectives
On course completion, participants should be able to:
- Identify mental health disorders like Anxiety disorders, Depressive Disorders, Alcohol use Disorders, Nicotine use disorders, and Psychotic disorders
- Formulate pharmacological treatment for Depressive disorders, Anxiety disorders, Alcohol use disorders and Nicotine use disorders
- Prioritize what can be managed by you and what needs to be referred to Specialist
Focus Areas: CMD (Common Mental Disorders), SUD (Substance Use Disorders - Alcohol and Nicotine), SMD (Severe Mental Disorders - Psychosis)
Impact of Dip CMH B37
Program Success Metrics
Through Dip CMH B37, 35 accredited medical officers are now equipped to identify and manage common mental health conditions, bringing evidence-based psychiatric care to over 18,000 individuals in community settings across India.
Program Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 hours over 6 months (October 2021 - March 2022) • 48 hours: Live interactive sessions (weekly) • 12 hours: Self-paced e-learning |
| Schedule | Every Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (2 hours) |
| Eligibility | MBBS or above with valid recognition from State or Central Medical Councils of India |
| Capacity | 113 enrolled |
| Method | Blended Learning: • Live sessions via Zoom Healthcare teleECHO • Self-paced learning via elearn.vknnimhans.in |
| Recognition | Continued Professional Development Recognized by NIMHANS NDA Board of Studies Not recognized by NMC/MCI |
Teaching Methodology: Blended Learning
1. Self-Paced E-Learning (Moodle LMS)
Each participant will have access to a Learning Management System. The relevant contents will be delivered through this platform in the form of:
- Recorded videos
- Selected textbooks and articles
- PowerPoint presentations
- Interactive materials
2. LIVE Interactive TeleECHO Sessions
Weekly multipoint video conferencing sessions accessible through any smartphone, tablet, desktop or laptop. Medical officers can join from their workplace.
Focus of Live Sessions:
- Clarification of doubts from self-paced learning
- Discussion of Self-Assessment Questions
- Case discussions by participants
- Brief didactic lectures by NIMHANS faculty on specific areas
Core Competencies After Course Completion
What Graduates CAN Do:
- Screen and identify common mental health conditions (Depression, Anxiety, Alcohol use, Psychosis)
- Dispense commonly prescribed drugs: Sertraline, Escitalopram, Amitriptyline, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Risperidone, Olanzapine in appropriate doses
- Discuss with caregivers or family members about mental health conditions
- Choose brief psychological interventions like relaxation exercises, brief intervention for alcohol, problem-solving for stress
- Recommend what can be managed and what needs referral to higher centers
What Graduates CANNOT Do:
- Manage severe or chronic mental health disorders (Chronic Psychosis, Bipolar disorder, Comorbidities with suicidal ideation)
- Manage substance use disorders except alcohol, dementia, childhood disorders
- Prescribe psychotropics with life-threatening side effects (Lithium, Clozapine)
- Administer ECT or other forms of brain stimulation
- Call/acknowledge/designate themselves as Psychiatrist
Accreditation Criteria
Course Completers will be given Certificate of Diploma in Community Mental Health. NO PARTICIPATION CERTIFICATE
To receive the Diploma Certificate, participants must fulfill ALL of the following criteria:
- Attendance: More than 80% attendance (19/24 live sessions) with >90 minutes video presence for each live session
- Case Presentations: Presentation of TWO patient case summaries at weekly live sessions. Follow-up of one case is also acceptable
- Assignments: Completion of SIX e-Assignments with score >80% for each. Second attempt allowed for those who take first attempt
- Monthly Reports: Monthly reports of patients seen during the course
- Pre-test and Post-test: Completion of both assessments (no scoring involved)
Important Notes:
- Each assignment has TWO attempts to clear (>80%). First attempt is mandatory to get second attempt
- Each assignment must be completed within 48 hours
- Assignments must be taken only on laptop/PC with webcam or tablet with webcam
- Within one month of last LIVE session, all submissions must be completed
Six-Module Curriculum
Digital Tools & Security
Security of all data and its privacy is of utmost concern. All platforms are carefully selected for compliance.
| Component | Tool | Security/Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum | Website (Indian server with HTTPS) | nimhansdigitalacademy.in |
| Live teleECHO Sessions | Zoom Healthcare | HIPAA compliant with signed BAA |
| Case Intake Record | Jotform | HIPAA compliant |
| Assignments & Self-Learning | Learning Management System | elearn.vknnimhans.in (VKN NIMHANS cloud) |
| Interactive Quizzes | Slido.com | Anonymous poll system |
Hub Team
Clinical Experts from NIMHANS Digital Academy:
- Dr. Udit Panda - MD, DNB, PDF Addiction Medicine (Chief Facilitator)
- Dr. Parul - MD (Facilitator)
- Dr. Prabhat Chand - MD, DNB, MNAMS (Officer Incharge NDA and Program Supervisor)
- Dr. Pallabi Sahu - Assistant Professor, MHI, SCBMCH, Cuttack
- Dr. Sujata Sahoo - Senior Resident, MHI, SCBMCH, Cuttack
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Diploma in Community Mental Health course" about?
Dip CMH is a virtual training program run by NIMHANS Digital Academy where MBBS or above doctors can participate in a peer-based learning model (case-based learning) with subject experts delivering from the Hub (NIMHANS).
Should I attend all live sessions?
At least 19/24 live sessions must be attended for accreditation of certificates.
Can I join the live session late?
No. Participants will be allowed into the live session only before 6:30 PM. After 6:30 PM, the live session will be locked.
Should I keep my video on during live sessions?
Yes, it is mandatory for accreditation that at least 90 minutes of video presence is required for each session, measured by software.
How many cases should I submit?
Each participant must submit at least 2 cases for accreditation. All cases will be discussed during live sessions, and participants will be informed about their presentation a week ahead.
What if I don't clear an assignment?
If you don't clear the assignment in the first attempt, you will be given a second and final attempt. However, it is mandatory to give the first attempt to be eligible for the second attempt.
What type of questions are in assignments?
Multiple choice questions, true or false questions, match the following type questions, and essay type questions with negative marks (varies with difficulty level).
Source Materials
- Manual for Medical Officers: Assessment and Management of Mental Health in General Practice (MOHFW GoI)
- NIMHANS Manual for Primary Health Care Providers
- WHO mhGAP Intervention Guide for Mental, Neurological and Substance Use Disorders
- SOPs by NIMHANS Team Primer for Alcohol and Tobacco
- Ahuja Short Textbook of Psychiatry
Contact Information
NIMHANS Digital Academy
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences
Email for Suggestions: vk*@********ns.in
Program Website: vkn.nimhansdigitalacademy.in/Curriculum-B37
Learning Platform: elearn.vknnimhans.in
Updates: nimhansdigitalacademy.in
Bridging the Mental Health Treatment Gap
Empowering medical officers across India with the knowledge and skills to identify and manage common mental health conditions in community settings.
Over 18,000 lives touched through evidence-based psychiatric care delivered by our 35 accredited graduates.