Mental health crises in the emergency department: simulation training for interprofessional collaboration and teamwork attitudes

Description of article:

Aim: To evaluate the impact of simulation-based training for mental health crises in the emergency department on knowledge, confidence, and attitudes towards interprofessional collaboration.

Method: 85 healthcare professionals participated in a simulation-based training activity. Questionnaires were administered pre- and post-activity, and thematic analyses were conducted.

Findings: Simulation training improved participants' communication skills in clinical practice, encouraged reflective practice and promoted interprofessional collaboration. Significant improvements were found in participant knowledge and confidence in providing care to individuals presenting to emergency departments in mental health crises.

Contribution: This paper demonstrates the outcomes of a novel in-situ simulation-based training activity focused on mental health crises in the emergency department. It describes the benefits of interprofessional education focusing on emergency departments and mental health professionals. This study also seeks to evaluate the role of attitudinal change in promoting interprofessional collaboration.

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