Through the eyes of another: improving the skills of forensic providers using a consumer-informed role-play procedure.

Objective: We describe an intervention aimed at improving the quality of care delivered by forensic clinicians and at exposing them to the principles of client-centered care.

Method: Thirty-five forensic clinicians belonging to various professional disciplines participated in a day-long, multi-modal training developed with the help of former residents of a maximum-security forensic hospital. The main components of the training included a 1.5-hour simulation during which participants role-played being hospital residents, a video on discrimination, and a panel discussion with several of the former hospital residents.

Results: Participants rated the training as very relevant to their work, very worthy of being recommended to their peers, and as a profoundly positive and enriching experience. The benefits derived from the training included greater connectedness among the staff and better understanding of the patients' experiences.

Conclusion: Factors that appear to have contributed to the success of the training sessions include administrative support, use of a multi-modal approach, and use of small groups.