Mental Health Simulation Training for Pharmacy workforce in Secondary Care

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Simulation involves life-like scenarios followed by reflection within a facilitated debrief and is widely used in healthcare education. The NHS Long Term plan1 and HEE2 reports highlight the need for the pharmacy workforce in different sectors to be confident and competent in providing care for people with mental health illnesses. Similarly, local integrated care services (ICSs) are prioritising parity of esteem and bridging gaps between services through an improved workforce. Aim To increase the pharmacy workforce’s confidence in supporting and caring for patients with mental health illnesses, reduce stigma, and empower staff to provide a safe, effective, and equitable service. Specific objectives were to: become familiar with substance misuse & learning disabilities; improve effective communication (verbal and non-verbal); and build confidence in formulating treatment plans, talking to patients in distress and taking appropriate histories within a mental health context. Methods Participants included medicines management pharmacy technicians (MMPTs) and pharmacists who volunteered from the acute and mental health Trusts within ICS. The training format included pre-reading clinical material, simulation scenarios co-produced with service users, multi-disciplinary team teaching, and debriefs. Ethical approval not required for the evaluation of the training. We collected quantitative and fee-text data via pre- and post-simulation questionnaires (two validated scales and course specific questionnaire). The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and thematic grouping of free-text data with frequency counting. Results The whole group (n=29) showed an increase in empathy and improvement in attitudes towards people with mental health illness from pre to post simulation training. The 15 measures (course specific questionnaire) and the qualitative feedback indicated that the learning objectives were met. 100% of participants either strongly agreed/agreed that the simulation training helped improve their communication skills and found the debrief and service user participation valuable. The qualitative data supported these findings: “…gained confidence in speaking to patients with different forms of mental health conditions and patients who are in distress.” Discussion/Conclusion This project was a pioneer to assess the use of mental health simulation training within secondary care between two different practice settings. Whilst a small-scale study only, the findings showed improved communication and confidence within a mental health context, particularly in talking to patients in distress. The simulation training was well received by participants and supports the use of simulation in our aim of increasing pharmacy workforce confidence in caring for those with mental illness and reducing stigma. In addition to improving clinical knowledge and skills, simulation training can also help improve pharmacy staff perceptions, attitudes, and address stigma and hence contribute towards a high quality patient care service. This project indicates the potential value of training the pharmacy workforce on a wider scale, regardless of sector, in collaboration with MDT and service users.