In the final episode of our three-part Maudsley Learning series, Lawrence and Tony are joined by Dr Kirsten Howson and Anni Winnie to explore the central role of debriefing in mental health simulation. They examine how Maudsley Learning uses simulation scenarios as a springboard for deeper reflection, drawing on the Diamond Debrief Model, advocacy with inquiry and carefully structured discussions to explore clinical decision-making, team dynamics, transference, countertransference and unconscious bias.

The conversation also considers psychological safety, co-facilitation and the support required by simulation faculty when working with emotionally charged material. Kirsten and Anni explain how extended briefings, learner-centred facilitation and peer debriefing help participants engage with discomfort, challenge established assumptions and translate learning into practice. We tie up the episode looking at the future of Maudsley Learning, including the use of mental health simulation beyond healthcare and Maudsley's upcoming simulation conference.

Sign up to Maudsley Learning's Conference 17-18 Sept 26

https://maudsleylearning.com/courses/mental-health-simulation-conference/?courseId=27935cf0-c910-f111-8341-7c1e5204b760

#SimCast #Podcast #Simulation #ClinicalSimulaiton #highereducation

In the second episode of our three-part SimCast mini-series with Maudsley Learning, Tony and Lawrence are joined by Camilla Fadel and Gareth Evans to explore how Maudsley Learning designs, adapts and delivers mental health simulation across healthcare, social care, universities, charities, corporate organisations and international partners.

This episode focuses on the practical work behind authentic mental health simulation. Camilla and Gareth discuss co-production, lived experience, trauma-informed design, inclusive practice, actor preparation, scenario manuals, psychological safety, technical creativity and the importance of adapting simulation to the learner group in real time. The conversation also explores how Maudsley Learning balances realism with care, avoids stereotyping, uses rich character histories rather than rigid scripts, and creates reflective learning spaces for complex, emotionally charged topics.

#SimCast #PodCast #Simulation #MentalHealth #ClinicalSimulation #highereducation

In this episode of SimCast, Tony and Lawrence sit down with James Pathan and Kiran Virk to explore the remarkable origins of Maudsley Learning⁠, the UK’s first dedicated mental health simulation centre. From a single mannequin in a box to a nationally recognised centre of excellence, James and Kiran share how they pioneered mental health simulation, developed immersive actor-led scenarios, and built a sustainable simulation programme within the NHS.

The conversation explores the unique challenges of simulating mental health care, the use of professional actors rather than standardised patients, and the creative techniques used to create authentic learning experiences on limited budgets. We discuss psychological realism, sensory immersion, multidisciplinary learning, human factors, simulation technology, debriefing, and why people matter more than expensive equipment when building successful simulation programmes. This is the first episode of a three-part series examining the past, present and future of mental health simulation with Maudsley Learning.

For more information about Maudsley Learning and the Mental Health Simulation Conference, visit:

https://maudsleylearning.com/courses/mental-health-simulation-conference/?courseId=27935cf0-c910-f111-8341-7c1e5204b760

#SimCast #Podcast #ClinicalSimulaiton #HigherEducation #Simulation #MentalHealth