International Journal of Healthcare Simulation

Background and aim:

As international migration continues to shape the healthcare workforce globally, the United Kingdom (UK) has seen a significant increase in internationally educated (IE) nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (AHPs) [1]. These healthcare workers are vital to maintaining healthcare services, yet they face multiple challenges including language pronunciation, culture shock, and lack of social support [2]. The aim of this NHSE funded project was to identify the experiences of IE registrants, then develop and deliver a sustainable set of simulation-based workshops equipping established nurses, midwives and AHPs with the necessary skills to be allies [3].

Activity:

The project design involved a mixed-method approach. Qualitative data was collected from across the region through focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with IE registrants and with Trust leads for inclusivity and diversity. The findings were analysed and authentic story boards and scripts for scenarios were developed, cross checking back to source. These then became the core of a ‘re-usable’ workshop with skilled actor role players and facilitators. Allyship is introduced, advantage and privilege discussed, pre-recorded films analysed, and simulation is through live face to face encounters and forum theatre. The workshop centres on cultural allyship and the four pillars of allyship, which include awareness, empathy, action, and sustainability.

Findings:

Face to face simulation-based experiential learning has enabled participants to explore different scenarios and gain insights into the challenges faced by IE registrants. Workshops have been delivered on 20 occasions to groups of around 20, predominantly UK educated, nurses, midwives and AHPs. The impact has been significant; over 400 participants have benefitted, with evaluations of the workshop comprehensively positive. The participants reported increased awareness of their own biases and privilege, improved empathy towards IE registrants, and increased confidence in taking action to support them. The workshop ends with each participant making a pledge, showing their commitment to being an ally to IE registrants.

Conclusion:

Equipping UK educated nurses, midwives and AHPs with the skills to be allies to IE registrants is essential, not least because this is about being respectful and compassionate to one another, but also retaining our recruited workforce helps us all deliver safe healthcare. These repeated workshops, adaptable for different professional groups, are an effective way to achieve the goal of being active as an ally. The workshops have the potential to be replicated in other healthcare settings to promote cultural allyship, and improve healthcare outcomes for all.

Ethics statement:

Authors confirm that all relevant ethical standards for research conduct and dissemination have been met. The submitting author confirms that relevant ethical approval was granted, if applicable.