International Journal of Healthcare Simulation

Background and aim:

The Medical Support Worker (MSW) Programme, funded by NHSEI, enables International Medical Graduates (IMG) and refugee doctors to work in the NHS, whilst acquiring General Medical Council (GMC) registration [1]. MSWs and IMGs have a recognized set of learning needs, with communication difficulties the most reported challenge amongst IMGs [2]. North Bristol Trust (NBT) employed a second cohort of 30 MSWs in July 2022, all of whom previously practiced medicine in Myanmar. NBT enlisted the assistance of a local Community Theatre to create and deliver a novel training programme with an emphasis on improving confidence in communication.

Methods:

Reflective pieces completed by MSWs one month in to post, alongside two probing questionnaires, highlighted the demand for communication training. A local Community Theatre, with prior experience of working with migrants, refugees, and vulnerable groups, was contacted. The Community Theatre met with both current and former MSWs to further identify development needs. Subsequently four two-hour workshops, with specific focuses, were designed:

Session 1: Informal conversation, talking about yourself

Session 2: Voicing opinions and interpretations, acknowledging mistakes

Session 3: Talk about yourself, interview practice, body language

Session 4: Public speaking, dealing with conflict

Workshops consisted mostly of games and small group activities with an element of performance. The programme was evaluated using a feedback form, consisting largely of Likert scale questions, completed after the 4th session.

Results:

Communication, social skills or cultural change were highlighted as the biggest challenges by MSWs (64%). Confidence in tasks that involved speaking in front of groups, dealing with conflict, or speaking to relatives was low (13.6-22%). Only 52% of MSWs felt confident speaking to colleagues.

The sessions were well received with 100% of respondents reporting both to have enjoyed the sessions and that they would recommend the sessions to other MSWs.

Results showed improvements in confidence, specifically with regards to: conversing with colleagues (94%), informal conversation (87.5%), public speaking (88%), raising concerns (100%) and offering opinions (100%).

Conclusion:

This novel locally developed communication training addresses some of the unique learning needs of MSWs and improves communication skills in a range of areas. The programme is being considered for expansion to international nurses and IMGs at NBT.

Ethics statement:

Authors confirm that all relevant ethical standards for research conduct and dissemination have been met. The submitting author confirms that relevant ethical approval was granted, if applicable.