‘New to Forensic’; implementing a problem-based introductory educational programme for forensic practitioners in Scotland

The New to Forensic educational programme has been developed for use across all forensic services in Scotland. It is designed to meet the needs of all staff who are both new to and already working within forensic mental health services. Its objectives are targeted to both clinical and non-clinical staff. The programme follows the patient's journey through the mental health and criminal justice systems. It covers mental disorder, legislation, psychiatric defences, assessment and treatment, risk of harm to others, services, attitudes and boundaries, multidisciplinary working, users and carers, community, learning disability, and prison services. It is self-directed and practice based, and uses a problem-based approach. Over a 3-year period, trainers and mentors have been trained to deliver the programme by members of the School of Forensic Mental Health http://www.forensicnetwork.scot.nhs.uk/ and all services have adopted the programme as a core educational initiative. Initial findings from the programme evaluation indicate a significant improvement in learning following engagement in the initiative.