This resource page will:
- Provide an orientation to working with families in more collaborative ways
- Give an example how to use simulations and case scenarios for training to work with families within mental health field
- Show some idea how to use games as a way of working with families
Importance of co-production with families
Mental health problems affect to the whole family: when one family member has mental health problems, the lives of many others might change. Because of that, it is essential to involve the whole family in mental health services. It supports the whole family and individual´s recovery, and can cut off the transmission of problems to the next generation. Click on the presentation below to learn more about ‘co-production and families: Where do co-produced relationships fit with families in a recovery paradigm?’.
Dutch (coming soon)
Finland (coming soon)
Greece (coming soon)Using simulations for training to work with families within mental health field
Simulations are effective way to learn new skills. Usually real people and the role-play are utilized for simulations within mental health field. Role-plays are suitable for situations where you want to develop and learn communication and interaction skills. Additionally role-play can also be used to learn assessment and decision-making skills. One way to do simulations is to use clinical case scenarios as basis of simulations.
Clinical case scenarios are educational resources and they can be used in different ways (e.g. individually or in groups). Case scenario includes all the necessary details to simulate the case succesfully (e.g. situation, participants, history).
During the STRENCO intensive program we used case scenarios to practice simulations in an international context. We did the simulations by obeying Bland and colleagues´ (2011) five critical attributes:
- We made 6 family case scenarios in advance in our country teams by academics.
- We used simulation rooms in VIVES UAS to offer authentic representation.
- All the intensive week participants participated actively to produce simulations.
- We had orientation lectures before simulations.
- After the simulation we evaluated and had reflection about the cases. Simulations were recorded and it made it possible to repeat some details.
Bland, A.J., Topping, A., & Wood, A. 2011. A concept analysis of simulation as a learning strategy in the education of undergraduate nursing students. Nurse Education Today, 31(7), 664–670.
Click on the picture below to see one example of our family case scenarios, called Depression.
Using games to enhance communication with families in mental health working
Digital gaming (video gaming) is entertaining gaming on a digital device such as a computer, game console, or mobile device. The goal in digital gaming is to play and enjoy yourself.
Digital gaming is a topic that raises a lot of conversation in families. There is often concerns in adults´ speech and games are seen in a negative light, meanwhile young people are happy to share game events and successes with others. With open communication and being interested of this phenomena, you can learn to see gaming as it is: a hobby that brings many positive things to gamer’s life.
