LAUSR

Background and aims Those with ID are at increased risk of comorbidity with physical and mental illness and often experience difficulty accessing physical and mental health services. Lack of knowledge attributed to lack of training for healthcare professionals negatively impact attitudes towards ID and inequalities in treatment. High-fidelity, interprofessional simulation training focusing on mental health and its interface with other disciplines has been emerging recently as a powerful educational tool as it improves clinical skills, competencies, confidence and decision-making skills. The evaluation of most training programmes is inadequate. This failure has substantial yearly financial implications considering the health sector spends approximately £5 billion on training and development. The need for robust longitudinal evidence to support the effectiveness and usefulness of simulation training interventions is imperative. Furthermore, identifying key components of simulation training which aids learning and developing an understanding on how the training impacts has on a person’s behaviour in the workplace is an important evaluation process. Methods A one-day immersive simulation training was co-produced and developed between Maudsley simulation, ESTIA centre and an acting company where actors have ID. This course was a rare example of co-production being used in simulation training for people with ID. In total, 39 participants from a range of healthcare professional backgrounds were involved in training. Pre and post course questionnaires using the Human Factors Skills for Healthcare (HFSH) instrument were collected and 9 interviews were conducted 12–18 months after participating in training. Results Thematic analysis highlighted four major themes: communication, patient-centred care, reflection, and multidisciplinary team (MDT) working. Findings suggest core features of simulation training such as debriefing, the use of actors with ID, scenario design, and the facilitators impact participants learning. Significant changes occurred post training including an increase of: the use of reasonable adjustments, consideration of patents preferences, support network engagement, and awareness of patients journey through the healthcare system. Results also highlighted better communication with patients as well as communication between MDT. Lastly, findings suggest the reflective nature of simulation training increases confidence levels and competencies. Conclusion The co-production and delivery of the training of those with ID and experts is a unique training modality which has a powerful and important impact on learner’s experience and memory. The current research contributes to the growing literature around the effectiveness of simulation training on ID however future research, is needed on a larger scale to support the current findings.