RECENT FINDINGS: Except Japan, all the other countries have a very low number of psychiatrists per 100 000 population - far lower than the global target of 10 psychiatrist per 100 000 population. The undergraduate teaching in psychiatry in majority of the countries is restricted to 20 h of lectures given during the 4-6 semester and 2-3 weeks of clinical ward placements. The duration as well as the overall quality of postgraduate training and methods of assessment and accreditation varies widely across and within countries.
SUMMARY: Numerous gaps that need to be addressed to enhance the quality of psychiatrists trained in Asia were identified. There is a need to have uniform minimum standards of training and mechanisms of mutual support, for not only training but also academics and research activities in Asia.
OBJECTIVE: To identify and synthesize qualitative evidence of peer learning experiences of undergraduate nursing students so as to understand their perceptions on peer learning experiences.
DESIGN: A qualitative systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) statement.
DATA SOURCES: Database searching was conducted on electronic databases such as Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Science Direct, and MEDLINE that published from 2007 to 2017.
REVIEW METHODS: Qualitative studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data using line by line coding, organising coding into descriptive themes, and interpreting further to generate new insights.
RESULTS: Six studies were included in this review. The most common themes identified were integrated into two new insights including personal development and professional development.
CONCLUSION: This review has revealed that peer learning experiences contribute to the learning process of undergraduate nursing students in preparing them to become professional nurses through personal development and professional development.