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Improving clinical practice through simulation training on intellectual disabilities: a longitudinal study

Hannah Iannelli (based at the Maudsley Simulation, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK)
Camilla Tooley (based at the Maudsley Simulation, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK)
Grégoire Billon (based at the Maudsley Simulation, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK)
Sean Cross (based at the Maudsley Simulation, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK)
James Pathan (based at the Maudsley Simulation, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK)
Chris Attoe (based at the Maudsley Simulation, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK)

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities

ISSN: 2044-1282

Article publication date: 20 August 2020

Issue publication date: 20 August 2020

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Abstract

Purpose

Individuals health with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience comorbid physical and mental health needs and have poorer outcomes resulting in early mortality. Currently, many training provisions based on ID exist; however, limited research supports their effectiveness. High-fidelity simulation is an innovative training mechanism with promising preliminary results. This study aims to evaluate the longitudinal impact of simulation training on clinical practice in ID.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was used in this study. A one-day simulation course using actors who had ID was delivered to 39 health-care professionals from across London hospitals. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted 12–18 months post training.

Findings

High-fidelity simulation training is an effective training modality, which has a sustainable impact on participants, their clinical practice and patients. Core features of the training including debriefing, the use and type of actors, scenario design and the facilitators are crucial learning mechanisms which impacts learning outcomes and changes to behaviour in clinical practice and settings.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to longitudinally evaluate high-fidelity simulation training designed to improve the physical and mental health needs of those with ID. The research begins to bridge an important gap in the current literature, with a need for more research.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank The Baked Bean Theatre Company for their invaluable support, and the Estia Centre team for their expertise and experience in delivering high-quality training for ID.Funding: This research was funded and supported by Health Education England intellectual disabilities programme.

Citation

Iannelli, H., Tooley, C., Billon, G., Cross, S., Pathan, J. and Attoe, C. (2020), "Improving clinical practice through simulation training on intellectual disabilities: a longitudinal study", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 14 No. 5, pp. 137-148. https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-11-2019-0033

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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