An Evaluation of Various Contributions of the Nation’s Clinical Psychologists to Health Care In Ghana From 1972-2005.

Abstract

The study focused on assessing the role and impact that Clinical Psychology as a profession has made on the delivery of health in Ghana since its inception in 1972. In order to achieve this objective, both quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed. The qualitative technique involving interviews and archival research helped reviewed the nature of health delivery that existed before 1972 when Clinical Psychology was not yet introduced, and the contribution it brought to bear on health provision after its introduction. To buttress the unique contribution of Clinical Psychology on health delivery, a pretest-posttest experimental design to investigate the impact of psychotherapy on neurosis was conducted with a sample of 42 patients of Pantang Hospital. Sample characteristics are mean age 31.04 years, SD=9.84 and gender distribution 24 to 18 male and female respectively. Psychotherapy, which is the main treatment approach used by Clinical Psychology was used to intervene with the experimental group. Statistical analysis using the Independent Samples t test revealed significant differences between experimental and control groups. The results showed a drastic reduction in the level of neurosis (anxiety, stress and depression) of the patients who were taken through psychotherapy. Furthermore, comprehensive interviews and archival research conducted reveals that more patients respond better when psychotherapy is integrated with chemotherapy. In conclusion, psychotherapy which was introduced to the health care landscape since 1972 by Clinical Psychology is still potent and valid as when it was first introduced. This finding makes it logical to have Psychologists working hand in hand with Medical Doctors, Psychiatrists, Social Workers and even Nutritionists in hospitals and other health centres as prescribed by the Bio psychosocial model.