Innovations in simulated and technology-aided learning for core psychiatric trainees in psychotherapy

Abstract

A training need to help core trainees prepare for the psychotherapy long case was identified. We prepared and showed a training DVD to all core psychiatric trainees at South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS trust. A questionnaire was designed to receive feedback from trainees. A total of 26 trainees participated. All trainees found the DVD informative. Most trainees found the DVD helpful in reducing their anxieties prior to taking on a long case. All trainees found the DVD accurately reflected their experience of psychotherapy and supervision. Using simulated and technology-aided learning material is a useful and economical way of introducing psychotherapy skills to core psychiatry trainees before the clinical supervised experience of a long case.

Keywords:

• training
• assessment of psychotherapy
• SteLI

Acknowledgements

We would like to highlight and thank our project leader, Dr Sheetal Sirohi. The genesis of this project came from her own idea and vision, developing a special interest in IT and media in mental health. We would like also to acknowledge the support for the project and thank Dr Jim Bolton (director of medical education), Professor Abou-Saleh, the SteLI team and all the actors for their invaluable contribution.

Notes

1. Postgraduate training in psychiatry from Royal College of Psychiatrists website. Retrieved from http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/files/pdfversion/OP65.pdf (15 June 2011).

2. Simulation and technology-enhanced learning initiative website. Retrieved from http://www.simulation.londondeanery.ac.uk/ (15 June 2011).

3. Upload of our psychotherapy DVD, London Deanery website. Retrieved from: http://www.synapse.nhs.uk (uploaded in March 2011).