The Use of an Advanced Simulation Training Facility to Enhance Clinical Psychology Trainees' Learning Experiences

Abstract

The University of Hertfordshire (UH) has recently opened a new simulation centre for its healthcare students. Although the centre is primarily used by nursing and paramedic students for its simulated clinical and community environments, its use for other professional training such as clinical psychology is evident. In this paper a brief history and description of the simulation centre is provided, before describing and reporting on a scenario-based simulation training exercise designed and implemented for clinical psychology doctorate trainees at UH. Trainee feedback on the effectiveness of the exercise was obtained via pre- and postsession self-report questionnaires. Trainees reported that they benefitted from taking part, increasing their clinical skills and confidence in joint working. They also valued the nonassessed and experiential nature of the exercise. Some of the main advantages of using interactive simulation training are outlined, as well as some of the challenges in using this advanced technology effectively.