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Modified ‘mooting’ should be part of psychiatric training

Fleming House, Rampton Hospital, Nottinghamshire DN22 0PD, email: Mark.Taylor2{at}nottshc.nhs.uk

Naeem et al (Psychiatric Bulletin, January 2007, 31, 29-32) describe the incorporation of simulated mental health review tribunal workshops in psychiatric training. It is my experience that psychiatric trainees currently receive adequate preparation for successful participation in mental health review tribunals (MHRTs) via on the job experience under consultant supervision. However, the legal profession has long employed ‘mooting’ in their training. This involves a mock trial in which lawyers argue the legal principles of a fictitious case. The purpose is to improve analytical skills, the presentation of information and public speaking (http://www.oup.co.uk/oxfordtextbooks/law/mooting/more/). These principles can also be applied to giving oral evidence at a MHRT. Tribunals appear to be increasingly legalistic. In forensic psychiatry it is not uncommon for the patient to be represented by a senior barrister. Cross-examination of the doctor can be a lengthy, complex and stressful experience. The manner in which MHRTs are conducted in general psychiatry may also be affected in the future.

The proposed amendments to the Mental Health Act 1983 focus the doctor’s role on issues that relate to the detention of patients and hence increase the importance of adequate formal training. Following the recent report of the Barrett homicide inquiry (NHS London, 2006) consultants may provide the only psychiatric input into MHRTs in the future, thus lessening training experience at work. Modified mooting or simulated MHRTs should be provided as part of psychiatric training, and should be introduced into both basic and higher training. Liaison with lawyers would be important in designing these exercises. This might also produce more mutual understanding of professional roles.

References

NHS LONDON (2006) Report of the Independent Inquiry in the Care and Treatment of John Barrett. NHS London.

This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit an eLetter Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via CrossRef Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Taylor, M. H. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Taylor, M. H.