Interprofessional simulation training for perinatal mental health: A mixed methods study

Abstract

Abstract Objective To determine the effectiveness of high‐fidelity interprofessional simulation on improving self‐efficacy of healthcare staff caring for individuals with perinatal mental health (PNMH) problems. Methods This study employed a mixed methods, quasi‐experimental intervention design. Participants were 240 doctors, nurses, midwives, and other clinical and nonclinical healthcare professionals recruited to partake in the study during their time undertaking the course. The course took place in a simulation centre, re‐creating high fidelity scenarios of a woman's pathway of treatment in perinatal mental health care. The course consisted of six simulated scenarios using trained actors to portray patients with common perinatal mental health presentations. Participants each took part in and observed at least 1–2 scenarios and all subsequently engaged in reflective group debriefs. Main Outcome Measures The Human Factor Skills for Healthcare Instrument (HFSHI), measuring self‐efficacy in human factors skills, and a scale developed for this study—the Course Specific Question Scale (CSQ)—to measure changes in knowledge, skills and confidence on course‐specific learning objectives were used for pre‐ and post‐data. A post‐course evaluation form was used for gathering qualitative data on learning and course experience. Results Participants expressed improvements in interprofessional collaboration, emotional awareness, reflection, communication and attitudes towards perinatal mental health following the course. Improvements in self‐efficacy alongside skills, knowledge and confidence regarding perinatal mental health care were also found. Conclusions Findings suggest potential benefits of simulation training for perinatal mental health to improve self‐efficacy, knowledge and clinical practice. More research is needed to fully assess interprofessional simulation training in PNMH and the long‐term impact of training on clinical practice.

Keywords

• education
• interprofessional
• mental healthcare
• perinatal
• simulation