Developing, delivering and evaluating interprofessional clinical risk training in mental health services

Aims and method: The need for training to prepare mental health professionals to assess and manage risks is now well established. This paper reports on the development, delivery and evaluation of interprofessional clinical risk training in Salford and Manchester since 1998. A training-needs analysis was carreid out, followed by post-training evaluation and an impact-monitoring questionnaire. Results: The training was very well received by participants, with over 90% of them meeting the objectives and 100% of respondents reporting that the training had a positive impact on their clinical practice more than 12 months afterwards. Clinical implications: The evaluation of the training demonstrates that a properly planned and delivered 2-day clinical risk assessment course can have a positive impact on the practice of clinicians in mental health services. However, this should be seen only as an introductory course, as more advanced risk training is required. This is currently being delivered and planned.