Abstract

Following the guidelines of practice-oriented research (POR), a Psychotherapeutic Competencies Training Protocol (PCTP-1) for treating depression in primary health care (PHC) was developed and validated by a group of clinician-researchers, grounded on evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence. This protocol was subjected to a Delphi validation by a panel of judges, including clinicians, researchers and public health experts. After three rounds, a consensus of 85% in all PCTP-1 modules was achieved, resulting in version 2 of the protocol (PCTP-2), which will be used to develop a Psychotherapeutic Competencies Training Online Programme (PColP) for the treatment of depression in PHC. The basic principles of the protocol and its validation process are described and discussed, underscoring its contribution to clinicians who must face the challenges of treating patients with depression in PHC.