autumn update for learning experience
News and updates from the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Learning

In this edition Winter 2017

Welcome to our Winter edition eNewsletter

Dynamic activity within the Learning Centre continues with many projects under way in both the eLearning and face-to-face training arenas.

You can read more about the Sentinel Events Review project below, this work involves redeveloping many of our eminent core training programs including QC9 Critical Components of Risk Assessment and Management, QC13 Capacity Assessment and QC14 Mental Health Assessment.


We are also excited to relaunch our QC3 Mental Health Educator Development workshop in August, and will be releasing our redeveloped and re-branded suicide risk program later in the year - full details below.

Recently we enjoyed the successful launch of the new blended learning program QC27 Group Facilitation in Therapeutic contexts with our first open delivery on the Gold Coast fully booked! The testimonial section below features feedback from some of the enthusiastic participants. Check our calendar for training dates as they roll out across the state. If you would like a recap on this program, view the article in our previous Summer edition eNewsetter.


Our collaborative project with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Branch will soon reveal a new eLearning program - details below.

With so many exciting developments underway the Learning Centre team have enjoyed working with a range of collaborative partners and content experts. Each of whom have contributed to the creation of resources that will be of significant benefit to services across the state.

We hope you enjoy this edition and we look forward to bringing you more updates in a few months when Spring arrives.
Image

Sentinel Events Review (SER) Project

Background and purpose
In April 2016 Queensland Health Mental Health Sentinel Events Review Implementation Team (SERIT) published their response to the Final Report - When mental health care meets risk: A Queensland sentinel events review into homicide and public sector mental health services.

The report documents a state-wide review into sentinel events involving a person with a known or suspected mental illness (offender or victim), as informed by the examination of clinical materials, policies, protocols, models of service, site visits to HHSs and consultation with key stakeholders, family members, and contact persons. The report included concerns regarding the ability of mental health service professionals to adequately undertake the assessment, formulation, treatment planning and monitoring of those consumers who pose a risk of violence. Implementation of the recommendations aims to improve mental health services and enhance support for people with mental health illness, their families, and the community.

Learning Centre SER project aims
In collaboration with the Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Clinical Network and SERIT, the Learning Centre reviewed five core training products with the express purpose of responding to the recommendations, and updating and augmenting the training to meet the education and training needs of state-wide mental health service professionals. The Learning Centre SER team focused their review on the following recommendations; Family Engagement, The Consumer Journey, Violence Risk Assessment and Management, Formulation and Treatment Planning, The Therapeutic Relationship, Consumers with Co-morbid Conditions, and Building Competencies and Capabilities. Specifically, the Learning Centre training products reviewed were QC9 Critical Components of Risk Assessment and Management, QC19 Risk Assessment and Management Refresher, QC26 Evaluation of Risk Assessment and Management (video-conference delivered risk program), QC14 Mental Health Assessment and QC24 Working with Strengths in Recovery.

Review and consultation
The review process was conducted in three phases. In Phase 1, the SER team clinical educators comprehensively reviewed the program content plans and resources, collaboratively discussing suggested changes before moving through to broader consultation.

In Phase 2, we sought internal and external stakeholder feedback through presentations of proposed changes, with feedback implemented where appropriate and within project scope.

Implementation plan
The Learning Centre SER team in consultation with the Training Compliance and Capabilities Advisory Group will finalise changes to the training products. Over the next six weeks the in-principle, approved changes will be trialled with coordinated support from the Learning Centre Infrastructure team, the Research and Systems team and the Program Delivery Coordinator. Any additional amendments will then be considered and consolidated based on feedback from these sessions.

Updated training programs will be rolled out in phases across the second semester training schedule.

Testimonials from the new program
QC27 Group Facilitation in Therapeutic Contexts
“Prior to attending this training it had been a long time since I covered this topic. I feel much more confident in running groups and skilled to cope with situations that may arise. It is relevant to my current practice and future practice, and I will be better prepared to facilitate group sessions. I will definitely recommend this training to my colleagues.” Mental Health Nurse

"Training was well organised, interactive, and I felt very comfortable sharing experiences and group learning with other participants and the facilitator. This training addressed my learning needs and I would highly recommend it to other colleagues." Occupational Therapist

"It really helped me to experience what group processes are and how to facilitating them. Thank you to the Learning Centre trainer for facilitating the various activities – it was very powerful in helping me to reflect on practices." Social Worker


2416486.jpg
Image

QC3 Mental Health Educator Development workshop relaunch

Following a comprehensive review and redevelopment by our expert team, we are pleased to launch a new version of our already popular program QC3 Mental Health Educator Development.

This three day program furnishes participants with the knowledge and skills to develop professional competency as an instructional designer and educator or facilitator.

It examines the methods to design, develop and deliver training materials, including how to analyse a learning need, describe learning outcomes, and apply principles of adult learning to content development and delivery by utilising a range of methodologies.


The new program differs from its genesis in that it follows the ADDIE model from concept design through to delivery and evaluation, with a strong focus on facilitation. There is also a greater emphasis on practical experience as the learners actually write material and receive feedback on their work during the workshop.

West Moreton plays host to the first delivery of the new program in August which is already a booked out event. Interested parties can request to be added to the mailing list to be notified of the next event by emailing the enrolment coordinator at qcmhltraining@health.qld.gov.au
Image
New suicide risk assessment and response training

An interview with Dan Mobbs - Clinical Educator at the Learning Centre.

I took a moment to catch up with Dan Mobbs, lead content expert developing the new QC2 Engaging, Assessing and Responding to Suicide risk (EARS) training program.

Dan has been involved in a range of suicide prevention initiatives including the development of the Suicide Risk Assessment in an Emergency Department setting (SRAM-ED) program and further consolidation of this program to support the implementation of the Zero Suicide in Healthcare within the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service. He has presented at the Suicide Preventaion Australia (SPA) National Suicide Prevention Conference and was an invited delegate to the 3rd Annual International Zero Suicide in Healthcare Summit in Sydney.

“The Learning Centre has for many years been a key source for suicide risk assessment training across Queensland. Our current QC2 Suicide Risk Assessment and Management was due for a minor review, however with so much development happening in this arena nationally, the timing was perfect for us to conduct a major overhaul of the program. Although it was already a great program, there was scope to develop it into a more experiential and practical course,” Dan explained.

Dan went on to say,“there have been significant developments in the theoretical understanding of suicide risk, and new models developed to effectively manage this risk. New models such as that by Pisani (2013) and O’Conner (2011) are increasing in their usage, and training needed to reflect this.”

The EARS eLearning module is under development and currently in its storyboard phase. This pre-learning component will introduce participants to the theoretical basis for the new QC2 EARS program, allowing learners to focus on applying theory to practice during the face-to-face course.

The launch of the QC2 EARS will coincide with the SPA conference in Brisbane, July 2017. "We are looking forward to showcasing this new program. It will be a culmination of the dedication and passion of many people; the team at the Learning Centre, the clinical reference group, and those who have experienced loss or lived with suicidal thoughts."

Keep an eye out for further announcements when the program is released and training dates advertised.
who can attend our training information
Image
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Capability eLearning

The Learning Centre is working in collaboration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Branch to design and develop an eLearning module for non-Indigenous mental health clinicians to assist them in better understanding cultural needs, values and social and emotional wellbeing.

The eLearning will use interactive activities, videos and scenarios to engage learners and apply culturally responsive skills.

The program embeds important key elements, including:
  • a recovery-focused, trauma-informed approach
  • identifying needs across the continuum of care, from emergency department to community
  • introducing participants to methods for applying a cultural lens in clinical practice.
The program will provide the basis for clinicians to work on their life-long cultural learning journey.


This module will be available after June via the Learning Centre eLearning portal.
Image

2018 Mental Health Scholarships priority areas under consideration

The Queensland Health Mental Health Scholarship Scheme is administered annually by the Learning Centre to enhance the capability of the Queensland Health mental health workforce. This initiative provides financial support (up to $1,000 per subject with an annual cap of $5,000) for the successful completion of approved postgraduate level university study in mental health clinical practice.

The Learning Centre invited advice from HHS Executive and Senior Leaders to identify current and future workforce needs to ensure that selection criteria for candidates are reflective of service priorities. This goes some way to ensure that the appropriate services, specialty areas and disciplines can benefit from this initiative.

The key priorities will assist applicants to identify the study areas most likely to receive support. Applications for study outside the identified priorities will be considered and assessed on a merit basis.

The scholarship application package will be made available for mental health staff from Monday 25 September. Keep an eye out for announcements on our website and via e-alert.

continuing professional development information
We are making improvements...2440332.jpg

The Learning Centre is moving towards a more simple and streamlined enrolment system.

The new system will enable you to sign up for face-to-face workshops, make online payments (where required) and complete eLearning programs all in one place.

We will keep you informed of changes over the next month via our websites.
Featured in the next edition...
QC28 Youth - Engaging, Assessing and Responding to Suicide risk (YEARS)
new program development
Queensland Centre for Mental Health Learning, Ellerton Drive, Wacol Qld 4076
West Moreton Hospital and Health Service, RTO code 40745
phone: (07) 3271 8837
internet: www.health.qld.gov.au/qcmhl
qheps: qheps.health.qld.gov.au/qcmhl
Image