Cognitive‐behavioral therapy training for multidisciplinary inpatient psychiatric teams: A novel curriculum using animated simulations

Abstract

Problem Nurses assume primary responsibility teaching children self‐management skills, yet few of them have formal training in evidence‐based treatments such as cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT). Methods We developed a novel CBT training curriculum specifically tailored for nurses and other child psychiatric inpatient team members. The curriculum was anchored in three components: (1) a structured manual; (2) instructional videos of common clinical scenarios using animated simulations; and (3) interactive role‐play exercises. The CBT curriculum was implemented through small group training sessions. We then conducted focus group sessions with the 20 participants to assess change in self‐reported knowledge of, and utilization of CBT skills in clinical practice. Findings The curriculum was well received by staff members, who found its content relevant and applicable to their daily inpatient work. Staff reported four main themes: (1) routine clinical care (feelings, challenges, and approaches); (2) CBT utility in practice; (3) CBT training components that facilitated learning of the discrete skills; and (4) professional development needs. Conclusions We were able to implement the curriculum within the time and staffing constraints of a clinically active inpatient setting. Future refinements of the model will include videotaped interactions between expert clinicians and simulated patients in high acuity situations.

Inpatient pediatric nursing staff experiences treating psychiatric patients: A mixed methods study

“…This includes clearer role expectations across disciplines, which may be aided by the use of standardized tools to guide clinical decision‐making surrounding aggression and safety in the psychiatric population (Hamrick et al, 2023; Wolff et al, 2023), and more comprehensive education for bedside staff to boost competence and confidence. Training nurses on different cognitive‐behavioral therapy strategies, providing role‐play scenarios, and holding classes over the course of multiple weeks have also received positive evaluations from nurses caring for pediatric psychiatric patients (Cardona et al, 2021). Providing classes in this format allows nurses to provide and receive feedback in real time regarding the new concepts they are being taught.…”

“…sive education for bedside staff to boost competence and confidence. Training nurses on different cognitive-behavioral therapy strategies, providing role-play scenarios, and holding classes over the course of multiple weeks have also received positive evaluations from nurses caring for pediatric psychiatric patients(Cardona et al, 2021). Providing classes in this format allows nurses to provide and receive feedback in real time regarding the new concepts they are being taught.…”

A Hero's Journey: Supporting children throughout inpatient psychiatric hospitalization using a therapeutic comic book

“…Since then, CBT has been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of a broad range of psychiatric conditions in children (Kazdin, 2018). One pertinent example is the recent adaptation of CBT via animated simulations and “sticky” acronyms for the specific needs of child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient settings (Cardona et al, 2021). The most relevant core principles of CBT outlined by the authors include: a) Connecting thoughts to feelings and behaviors through a developmentally appropriate exploration of the cognitive triad (thoughts‐emotions‐behaviors); b) Identifying anger triggers and teaching positive behavioral coping skills (e.g., the “take‐a‐break plan”); c) Identifying Automatic Negative Thoughts (“ANTS”) and counteracting them with a “STOP” plan ( Situation, Thoughts, Other thoughts , and Practice of Calming thoughts ); and d) systematic problem solving through a “SOAP” plan ( Situation, Options, Assess options , and Pick a safe plan ).…”

Evaluating Simulation-Based Tobacco Treatment Scenarios for Providers Delivering Treatment for People Living With Mental Illnesses

“…In fact, targeted training in tobacco treatment increases healthcare providers' confidence in and delivery of tobacco treatment ( 17 ). Animated scenario-based simulated encounters may be an effective method to provide tobacco treatment education in mental health settings ( 18 , 19 ). Simulation-based trainings may have the advantage of reaching a wide audience through cost-effective and resource efficient means, as compared to traditional face-to-face trainings ( 20 – 22 ).…”