Simulation training on difficult conversations for health visitors

Acting on safeguarding concerns requires timely difficult conversations. Simulation provides a safe learning environment to develop this skill

Abstract

This article describes an innovation in clinical practice for community-based health visitors. We used simulation-based learning to practise having difficult conversations with parents in a safe environment, thereby seeking to address issues around child safeguarding in a professional and authoritative manner. The primary aim was to make health visitors more confident at tackling issues that might make them feel uncomfortable, but are necessary to ensure that risks to children are minimised and early action is taken to keep them safe.

Citation: Smikle M (2023) Simulation training on difficult conversations for health visitors. Nursing Times [online]; 119: 6.

Authors: Marcia Smikle, head of safeguarding children; Valerie Ntumba, senior health visitor for safeguarding children; both at Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.