Using Simulated Scenario to Achieve Consensus on Risk Assessment in Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Oral Presentation 4
Dr Eimear McCorry, Dr Victoria Mayers, Dr Anna McGovern, Dr Stephanie Redpath

Using Simulated Scenario to Achieve Consensus on Risk Assessment in Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Introduction:
Risk assessment is a core component of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) Care. However risk is often viewed as something subjective and undoubtedly in practice we see different interpretations of risk. The FACE risk assessment is a method to standardise risk assessment but anecdotally it too appears to be open to subjectivity.

Objective:
Through team observation of a simulated clinical scenario we aim to create discussion regarding risk assessment and ascertain consensus amongst the team as to how to stratify risk.

Method:
A simulated patient interaction, similar to those commonly encountered in CAMHS, was created. This scenario was observed by audience comprised of clinical staff working throughout CAMHS in the Trust. After the observed scenario the audience were invited to score each domain of risk assessment via anonymous online poll. A panel, comprised of 4 senior members of the clinical team, were then invited to give their assessment of risk with accompanying rationale. Discussion was opened to the audience for debate, clarification and further opinion.

Outcomes:
94 members of the CAMHS clinical team participated in the exercise.

87% of participants agreed/strongly agreed that the session was useful.

84% of participants agreed/strongly agreed that the session made them consider how they approach risk assessment.

There has been a wealth of qualitative feedback obtained with positive feedback for the exercise.

Conclusions:
This appears to be the first time that a simulated scenario has been used regionally in relation to risk assessment within CAMHS. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and we have demonstrated the usefulness of an exercise such as this in informing future practice.

Going forward we can expand these scenarios allowing additional educational and training opportunities not only in risk assessment, but in other key areas of Child and Adolescent Mental Health