Establishing an integrated multiprofessional skills training programme

Background: Opportunities to learn and practice skills are becoming less with changes in the health care environment. Responses to this have included curriculum change and the development of skills programmes. Although the skills programmes, often taught in simulated settings in skills Centres have been frequently described, such a model may not be appropriate for all Universities or have the best outcomes. Firstly access to a centre may not be available and secondly, the training may not alter students' behaviour in the workplace in terms of applying and practicing these skills. Aim: This paper offers tips for developing a centrally coordinated, integrated, multidisciplinary skills training programme. Methods: These 12 tips are based upon current literature, discussion with other skills training providers and reflection on local experiences of establishing and maintaining a skills training programme. Results: The programme, outlined here, used a multidisciplinary, multiprofessional group to design and run a skills programme, which was clearly linked back to clinical attachments, emphasising ongoing practice with feedback. Conclusions: The twelve tips highlight the importance of broad ownership of the programme; separate funding and good evaluation are essential if the programme is to be continued in the absence of a specific Centre or a School to run it.