HPFT

Introduction 

In September 2021 HPFT launched the Simulation Hub to provide innovative simulation training in mental and physical health and learning disabilities; one of a handful of simulation facilities for mental health in the UK. In September 2023, the simulation hub team was recognised as highly commended at the HSJ Patient Safety 2023 Awards.

The simulation hub offers staff a safe, non-judgmental, secure space that replicates their daily working environment. All training is co-produced and delivered with experts by experience (service users and carers).

● Clinical skills laboratories.

● Simulation and debrief rooms.

● Facilitators trained in the recognized ‘Diamond’ debrief technique.

● High fidelity mannequin.

● Actors.

● Cameras.

Ambition 

Following analysis of the learning from serious incidents showed that staff were continuing to repeat the same practice errors, we needed to provide them with a more effective learning environment. The Hub provides a bespoke and adaptable environment which supports the unique learning needs and challenges faced by teams; one in which they feel safe to highlight things which have gone wrong and to share good practices.

We identified the need for a facility where staff from various disciplines and agencies could learn together in a safe environment to replicate real-life scenarios and improve understanding of how human factors and leadership skills impact staff, service users and carer safety. People learn most effectively when training is interactive, immersive and replicates real life; the Simulation Hub provides all these conditions. 

Significant and growing evidence suggests that simulation training is highly effective in developing technical skills, patient safety standards and non-technical skills. The evidence gathered, and the feedback received so far suggest that this is true.

Link to the Simulation Hub video: https://youtu.be/8ipr_WNMKNk

Engagement 

The simulation training uses a multi-disciplinary approach to build bespoke training based on the learning needs identified by the team from incidents, team competencies and gaps in the delivery of care. 

A steering group, led by clinical and professional leads and experts by experience, was set up to develop and provide strategic direction for simulation training in HPFT. The group supported the development of an annual simulation learning programme. 

Developing and supporting the simulation faculty involved training the faculty on principles of the simulation-based education framework and a two-day debrief training course, provided by the Maudsley Simulation Team. A simulation facilitator network was established to support the development of simulation facilitators and training of new facilitators using a ‘train the trainer’ model. 

Central to the Simulation Hub is the vital role played by ‘experts by experience’ – people with lived experience of mental healthcare who are dedicated to improving the systems they have been through in the past. The panel of experts providing support to the development of bespoke scenarios and delivery of training always includes a member of the Expert by Experience group. 

A multi-agency suicide prevention simulation training group was set up to provide operational oversight for Hertfordshire & West Essex ICS’s suicide prevention simulation training, planning and implementation of the suicide prevention training in the ICS. Group membership includes HPFT, H & WE Wave 4 Suicide Prevention Programme, Hertfordshire Constabulary, British Transport Police, Fire Service, EoE Ambulance Service, Acute Trust, Primary Care, Network Rail, Adult Care Services, Persons with Lived Experience, HCC Community Protection, Viewpoint, Social Prescribers, and Street Triage Team. The group is sharing communications with their staff when required, providing support and oversight for the project and fostering good working relationships and links in the group. 

Outcome

Simulation training is supporting HPFT and the wider system in training staff to deliver evidence-based and high-quality care for our service users and carers. Approximately 500 participants have taken part in simulation training including GPs, mental health nurses, trainees, staff from acute trusts, Fire and British Transport services.

Based on qualitative feedback from participants the following outcomes have been achieved:

● Staff practice skills in a real-life scenario and benefit from learning in a safe environment, increasing their ability to respond to service user needs appropriately and confidently.

● Debriefing scenarios allows for reflective learning, working as a team to explore how human factors, alongside technical skills, can influence clinical care.

● Staff feel more engaged and motivated to deliver great care to service users and carers.

● Staff are supported to generate ideas and to test new approaches to solving problems.

● Quality of care for service users and carers has improved.

Feedback from delegates demonstrated overwhelmingly positive outcomes in confidence, knowledge, clinical skills, and teamwork, with between 96% and 100% of delegates saying these had improved. 99% of learners preferred simulation training over traditional approaches.

Post-training evaluation has shown significant improvements in participants’ ability to work as a team, gain understanding of each other’s roles and develop skills that put these into practice.

Future Development 

Simulation training is engaging a wide variety of healthcare and non-healthcare staff, enabling system-level development of workforce in mental health and learning disabilities. 

The hub will continue to develop new courses informed by learning from incidents, evidence-based practice, and feedback to support multi-professional learning and development at work. 

The HPFT Simulation Hub is developing a business model to create long-term value and sustainability for the service. The Hub will continuously review outcomes to ensure it provides training packages that maximise learning and add value to the delivery of care for service users and carers.