Pilot study: design, delivery and evaluation of a co-produced multi-agency mental health simulation-based education programme

Background
Research shows inequity of access and provision of Simulation-Based Education (SBE) globally, perhaps especially for Simulation for Mental Health (S4MH). Integrated approaches to education improve outcomes, despite this, there is a lack of multi-agency education and service user/carer involvement. This innovative work involves service users and carers in the design, delivery and evaluation of an experiential, mental health, SBE programme for health and social care professionals, and multi-agencies. Highlighting important areas of inclusivity, equality and diversity provides valuable insight into the unique patient perspective and experience of their interactions with services and professionals, and knowledge, perspective, and role of the practitioner, considering the transition of the service user between services.

Methods
In a mixed approach, data was collected between November 2021 and March 2022 by pre- and post-participation survey of participants’ thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, behaviours and experiences of the programme. A thematic method was used for qualitative data analysis.

Results
Completed survey response rate = 64%. Analyses constructed themes around safety, responsiveness, empathy, stigma and experience. Findings show increased confidence and understanding of roles following participation in the programme. Positive changes in empathy and respondents’ perspectives and behaviours were also reported.

Conclusions
Findings inform better integrated, co-ordinated systems and practices, demonstrating mutual benefits of service user and carer involvement, and value of multi-agency learning; increased knowledge, safety, empathy, mutual appreciation of roles and recognition in the value of lived experience integrated into learning. Implications for practice and mental health care are relevant to multi-agency professionals, service providers, service users, carers and families.