Discovering careers in mental health: a qualitative pilot study of a novel simulation-based education programme

Abstract

The global burden of disease from mental illness has been increasing, whilst the number of mental healthcare professionals has been decreasing at alarming rates. Recruitment to mental healthcare workforces is a key priority to efficiently tackle this imbalance, and recruitment efforts can be aided through educational experiences for school students that encourage career choices in mental health. This pilot study evaluates a novel simulation-based education programme to inform students about careers in mental health. 94 school students aged 15–18 were opportunity sampled for this programme. Participants followed a simulated patient through four scenarios from hospital admission to returning home, whilst observing the roles of different mental health professions. Qualitative questionnaires were completed post-course, assessing the participants’ learning experience and perceptions of careers in mental health. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed a greater understanding of mental healthcare roles, participants’ desire to challenge mental health stigma, and a positive regard for simulation-based education. Simulation-based education serves as an innovative and applicable modality for career education. Moreover, it provides a novel approach to mental health literacy and stigma reduction in students, who could form the future workforces. Our findings act as a call to action for simulation educators, urging them to consider the application of simulation-based education in not just medical but also mental healthcare education. Large-scale deployment of this programme could have important implications for supporting mental healthcare recruitment.