SCAN trainers and training centres

Learning to use SCAN reliably requires a background of clinical experience followed by specialised training in a recognised training centre. An international network of centres has been developed to carry forward high-quality SCAN training in different languages and cultural settings. Just as SCAN itself is the culmination of a clinical tradition, flexible and adaptable to the needs of its users, SCAN training programmes allow a certain degree of flexibility to suit local needs and teaching styles. Nevertheless, to assure basic minimum standards and maintain quality control, training takes place within a basic organisational framework, and follows a core curriculum of specified skills and theoretical learning objectives.

Scan Training Centres are recognised because they have a minimum critical mass of staff experienced in the SCAN system and some track record of using SCAN in experimental field work. WHO Designated Training and Reference Centres must have adequate facilities for small group teaching, and facilities for demonstrating SCAN interviews with ‘live’ respondents and through video teaching materials. They also require well-organised administrative support to assist students where appropriate with accommodation and advice about local travel arrangements etc.

A training manual is available to SCAN trainers, setting the overall framework of teaching objectives, describing various teaching methods, and bringing together training materials and experience gained in different training centres. Although the manual outlines the range of core training objectives, it should be noted that the standardisation of training can be adaptable to the needs of local users.

It is recommended that SCAN trainers in WHO recognised training and reference centres should have had considerable experience of using the instrument, preferably in experimental field work, and nor-mally they have participated in at least two courses at designated centres. Even experienced trainers should ideally participate in other courses from time to time to offer advice and feedback and to keep abreast of novel teaching methods and assessments. Trainers are normally prepared to participate in between-centre exercises coordinated by WHO, aimed at transcultural standardisation of the instrument, and other reporting procedures to allow the editorial committee to evaluate the progress of development of designated centres.