Through the eyes of another: improving the skills of forensic providers using a consumer-informed role-play procedure

We describe an intervention aimed at improving the quality of care delivered by forensic clinicians and at exposing them to the principles of client-centered care.

Thirty-five forensic clinicians belonging to various professional disciplines participated in a day-long, multi-modal training developed with the help of former residents of a maximum-security forensic hospital. The main components of the training included a 1.5-hour simulation during which participants role-played being hospital residents, a video on discrimination, and a panel discussion with several of the former hospital residents.

Participants rated the training as very relevant to their work, very worthy of being recommended to their peers, and as a profoundly positive and enriching experience. The benefits derived from the training included greater connectedness among the staff and better understanding of the patients' experiences.

Factors that appear to have contributed to the success of the training sessions include administrative support, use of a multi-modal approach, and use of small groups.