Developing a Multidisciplinary Simulation Course to Address the Physical Health Agenda in Mental Health: Recognising and Assessing Medical Problems in Psychiatric Settings (RAMPPS)

Abstract

Introduction There’s a renewed focus on physical health for people with mental health conditions. In Yorkshire & Humber, a team were tasked with improving patient safety, outcomes and experiences through training and simulation. Objectives Recognising and Assessing Medical Problems in Psychiatric Settings (RAMPPS) provides opportunities to assess and manage deteriorations in physical health in a safe environment, where learner needs are paramount. It reflects the way situations unfold in real life with Health Care Assistants, Nurses and Psychiatric Trainees working together. Aims RAMPPS aims to improve effective communication, clinical, safety and collaborative skills. Scenarios test technical competencies around measurement and interpretation of observations, communication, handover of information and team dynamics. Methods Scenarios are based upon real-life incidents from psychiatric inpatient wards. Using high-fidelity manikins, part-task trainers, remote simulation technology and standardised patient-actors, we produced simulations akin to real-life. The RAMPPS course can be run in various ways: • Large simulation centres with scenarios running concurrently • Smaller simulation centres with live video • In-situ with equipment taken to a ward Confidence in competencies forms the core of paired pre- and post-course questionnaires; delegates act as their own control. Results Chi-square analysis of results shows a significant increase in confidence for doctors, nurses and health care assistants in core competency areas including communication, collaboration, clinical skills and organisational aspects of care. Conclusions RAMPPS is an effective and new way to incorporate effective simulation training in psychiatry. It can be adapted to the arrangement of the localities whilst retaining its core principles.