Published on 14 March 2024
Student midwives and student mental health nurses at the University of Sunderland’s School of Nursing and Health have joined forces to share practice and tackle early life adversity.
It's as the University prepares to celebrate national University Mental Health Day (14 March).
“The link between adverse early life experiences (ACEs) and adult health outcomes has been well-established,” says Clare Brizzolara, Senior Lecturer in BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing Practice. “Sadly, this can impact babies and children born of adults with ACEs.”
Clare and her team have highlighted the challenges pregnant mothers with mental health issues may face, and how services can work together effectively.
“Our aim is to help support new mothers and babies, and breaking that cycle of adversity,” she says.
Using a fictitious case study based upon real clinical experience, BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing Practice students introduced BSc (Hons) Midwifery students to the assessment of a newly discharge patient. This fictional patient had been diagnosed with an emotionally unstable personality disorder, a condition caused by early life trauma such as physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
“The student midwives demonstrated their knowledge and skills around caring for a pregnant mother who at times is fearful, mistrusting, and isolated,” says Clare. “They were able to see how a multidisciplinary approach can work effectively in supporting a mother and her baby and tackle potential safeguarding issues.
“This was the first simulation event of its kind for the Midwifery and Mental Health Nursing Practice students and proved to be remarkably successful on its first delivery.”
The simulation used PCPIs (Patient, Carer and Public Involvement) to help develop the knowledge, understanding and skills of students. PCPIs are a prerequisite for accreditation from professional bodies and reflect the expectation within the NHS that the patient is at the centre of the services that they use.
“It was a wonderful opportunity for interprofessional learning. We put our simulation suites through the mill to create a well-rounded learning experience which we hope the students will not forget, and will shape their clinical skills,” adds Clare.
“‘This event gave our students a chance to reflect on mental health in pregnancy and early life needs, with the potential to create a significant positive impact on health outcomes for mothers and their children.”