Co-constructive patient simulation at international conferences: strengthening interactions and deepening reflection

Abstract

Clinical training in psychiatry can pro t from methods that can be applied in different settings and circumstances, yet use a sound, scienti cally proven concept that enhances the learning experience. One way to create a common international community of practice (ICoP) of child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs) is through participation in a patient simulation session at international conferences. A coconstructive patient simulation (CCPS) was conducted as a workshop at two international CAP conferences, AACAP/CACAP 2022 and ESCAP 2023, characterized by script co-construction, active learner involvement, and systematic debrie ng intended to enhance re ective function in clinical practice. About 30 international learners participated each session. Two facilitators were from North America, two from Europe. The rst session participants had to enroll in the workshop and the CCPS was played with professional actors. The second session registration was not required by the conference organization and the CCPS was played with volunteering actors with a background in psychology, unfamiliar to the public.Overarching themes included an appreciation of local and international differences in practice, legislation and clinical thinking, and shared challenges such as dealing with uncertainty, family dynamics, strong emotions, di cult behaviour and non-adjustable perspectives. This approach can provide or expand educational resources, reveal useful common ground, (cultural) differences, and important themes in clinical practice, facilitate re ective practice in real time, making international conferences more fun and interactive.