First-of-its-kind training for nurses on making shared decisions with patients | nursing times

The first virtual reality training programme focused on developing nurses’ shared decision making (SDM) skills has been launched. Commissioned by NHS England, the Personalised Care Institute

(PCI) has developed a simulation which is believed to be the only one in the world on SDM skills for health and care professionals and students at all levels and experience. The _Virtual

Patient Simulation: Test Your Personalised Care Conversations_ eLearning tool_, _developed in conjunction with Keele University, is based around a series of lifelike simulated patient

consultations. > “I found the whole experience really informative and engaging and > I’ll definitely be using the simulation again" >  > Penelope Johnson The first two

scenarios to be launched by the PCI are an in-person consultation with a patient with osteoarthritis, and a remote consultation by telephone with a father concerning his son’s sore throat.

Two further scenarios, a referral for suspected bowel cancer and a discussion around the ongoing use of antidepressants, are set to be launched in the coming months. The simulation breaks

each consultation down into three areas: introduction and understanding the patient’s history, exploring their preferences around the treatment options, and reaching a shared decision on the

way forward. Complex care nurse and ambassador for the PCI, Penelope Johnson, said: “The PCI’s virtual patient learning tool is a brilliant way for nurses of all levels of experience to

test their shared decision making skills. “The multi-choice responses allow you to explore different conversation pathways, while the instant feedback at the end of each exercise highlights

what you’re doing well, in addition to what you could do differently to achieve even better results. “I found the whole experience really informative and engaging and I’ll definitely be

using the simulation again.” The launch of the PCI’s new tool follows calls from the University Alliance, an association which collectively trains 30% of nurses in England, to fully embrace

simulation in nurse training. In addition, recent reforms to the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) education programme standards mean that the regulator now allows 600 hours of clinical

placement to take place in a simulated setting – previously it was 300. RELATED ARTICLES The new SDM simulation from the PIC comes as data from the Care Quality Commission found that more

than 40% of patients want to be more involved in decisions about their care. A report by the Patient Association, published in 2022, found that while 90% of healthcare professionals think

SDM should be practised routinely, common perceived barriers include lack of experience, confidence and time. Dr Emma Hyde, clinical director of the PCI, said: “We know that shared decision

making leads to better outcomes for patients, with nine out of 10 healthcare professionals stating it should be used routinely and seven out of 10 expressing a desire to learn more about

this vitally important personalised care approach. “Not only will this training equip health and care professionals with the shared decision making skills and knowledge needed to deliver the

very best health outcomes for patients, it will also address the growing desire amongst the general public for greater involvement in key decisions that inform their healthcare.”