Cygnet Hospital Wyke launch new physical health awareness course

On the 4th of September 2017 Cygnet Hospital Wyke (CHW) launched its first Recognising and Assessing Medical Problems in Psychiatric Settings (RAMPPS) course.

RAMPPS is a one day simulation course aimed at the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) to consider not only the psychological needs of service users but also their physical health needs.

Physical health in mental health has received a significant amount of media exposure in the last couple of years, and with good reason. Patients suffering from mental health problems have more physical health problems and a greater morbidity and mortality rate than the general population.

“Overall this training was very relevant and enables psychiatric settings to acknowledge physical health.”Staff member, Cygnet Hospital Wyke

Using ten realistic scenarios ranging from chest infection obstruction to hypoglycaemia, RAMPPS aims to challenge MDT’s and recognise how mental health problems can compound the recognition and management of physical health problems.

The evening before the course started Cygnet Hospital Wyke’s training room was converted into ‘Tamera Ward’ to provide a realistic training environment and includes; a nurses station, clinic room, service user bedroom and lounge. Scenarios incorporate the use of Big John (a recent addition to Wyke’s RAMPPS team) and the use of staff acting skills to add further realism and challenge to the scenarios.

Big John
Big John

At the start of each course delegates are given a 30 minute introduction into the course after which the entire day consists of simulations. Delegates are broken down into two teams of five with one team undertaking the scenario and the other team observing. At the end of each scenario a 15 minute debrief takes place which includes peer review feedback.

“A very relevant course that was full of knowledge and fun to take part in.”Staff member, Cygnet Hospital Wyke

For more information on RAMPPS please contact one of the following RAMPPS faculty members:

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