A Survey of Haematology Teaching in UK and Irish Medical Schools

In recent years, several studies have been conducted to evaluate shared learning in healthcare settings.However, despite government policy on shared learning initiatives (1), few studies have been conductedwithin mental health education. Additionally, few studies have explored the dynamics of shared learningamongst students studying at different academic levels. This project aimed to explore both shared learning inmental health, with learners of different academic levels. A one-year longitudinal study was designed tofacilitate shared learning and teaching in mental health to: • Explore the knowledge, understanding, and skills that can be developed through shared learning inmental health settings • Ascertain how students become aware of each other's roles, and how to develop and increase suchawareness • Identify effective methods of breaking down unhelpful stereotypes and develop trust and understanding.A mixed group of 8 second year mental health nursing degree students and 10 first year clinical psychologydoctorate trainees participated in a shared learning programme, based around a problem-based learningvignette and creative groupwork. An evaluation tool was designed (incorporating Parsell and Bligh’s [1999]questionnaire (2) and additional quantitative and qualitative elements) and administered at 3 time points, togain an understanding of the experience and outcomes of IPE (3) over time. This paper discusses the studyand its preliminary findings. The challenges of conducting shared learning in mental health contexts withstudents of different academic levels and different levels of experience are considered, together withimplications for mental health education and practice. Intended learning outcomes 1. Consider areas of mental health teaching/learning that are amenable to shared learning, andprofessional groups that might participate2. Explore ways of delivering such shared learning experiences3. Review benefits and challenges of shared learning in mental health