The simulated mental health review tribunal - A valuable training tool for senior house officers?

Abstract

Aims and method: Psychiatric senior house officers currently receive little formal training in how to give testimony at mental health review tribunals. The development of a simulated tribunal workshop for trainees, which is group-based, interactive and experiential in nature, with meaningful user and carer input is described. Results: We have incorporated simulated mental health review tribunal workshops into our academic programme and these have been successfully evaluated. Feedback has shown a marked increase in the confidence levels of trainees regarding tribunals. Clinical implications: The new Mental Health Act (England and Wales) is likely to place increasing demands on psychiatrists, in terms of giving testimony at mental health review tribunals. Simulated training for senior house officers, incorporating user and carer perspectives, can improve their skills and confidence in presenting at actual tribunals.