On 7th November 2024, the MPFT Acute Mental Health Inpatient Conference, organised by the MPFT Research and Innovation Department welcomed over 100 attendees, including professionals, researchers, and innovators, for a full day of learning, sharing, and collaboration. Centred around the theme Windows of Opportunity: Innovations in Care, the event showcased the latest advancements in mental health care, providing a unique platform for MPFT staff to share their work, learn from evidence-based practices, and connect with colleagues across the Trust and beyond.
"The conference is a reminder that every admission to our wards is an opportunity for engagement, change and learning, nor only for our patients and their carers, but for ourselves as professionals and as an organisation. We focus this year on research and innovation as means to better our care and our working lives"
Chair: Dr Iggy Agell, Consultant Psychiatrist and Mental Health Research Speciality Lead, MPFT
"Events such as this provide a fantastic opportunity for staff to not only share examples of their research, evidence based practice, insights and experiences but also to learn from others too. By promoting a culture which encourages research, education and learning, we can develop and enhance our knowledge and skills and in doing so better understand how we can provide the best services and treatments to our service users and communities"
Ruth Lambley-Burke, Director Of Research & Innovation, Associate Director Of Medical Directorate Operations, MPFT
Watch the Highlights Below!
Catch some of the best moments from the day by watching our highlights below! It features interviews with:
- Dr Aneal Sidhu, MPFT Higher Psychiatry Trainee
- Dr Ignasi Agell, MPFT Consultant Psychiatrist and Mental Health Research Specialty Lead
- Ruth Lambley-Burke, MPFT Director of Research & Innovation
The Presentations
The day began with a warm welcome by MPFT Chief Executive Neil Carr OBE, setting the stage for a series of engaging talks chaired by Dr Ignasi Agell and Dr Amandeep Phull.
Morning Sessions:
- Transforming Mental Health Inpatient Services in Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent
Presented by Upkar Jheeta, this session explored transformative strategies to enhance patient care in the region. - STARS and STARS+
Dr Tom Kingstone shared insights into the STARS (Supporting The Advancement of Research Skills) programme and the impact on MPFT services, showcasing innovation in action. - The Art of Supervision and the Science Behind It
Dr Bijal Sangoi and Dr Shweta Pawar examined the balance between practical skills and the scientific principles that guide supervision in mental health settings. - The Positive Impact of Green Spaces in Inpatient Settings
Carrie Busby and Andrea Evans presented on the therapeutic benefits of green spaces, highlighting an innovative approach to patient care. - Stigma as a Barrier to Accessing Mental Health Services
Charlie Thorpe discussed the challenges faced by individuals with personality disorders and the crucial role of social workers in breaking down barriers.
Afternoon Sessions:
The afternoon opened with remarks by MPFT Medical Director Dr Abid Khan, followed by presentations that explored cutting-edge research and practical applications:
- Virtual Reality in Psychiatric Inpatient Settings
Stephanie Haig presented findings on the feasibility of virtual reality experiences as therapeutic tools in psychiatric care. - Psychological Formulation in Inpatient Care
Amy Mackay and Dr Daniella Wickett shared the benefits of personalised approaches in understanding and addressing patient needs. - ADEPP Study and the Associate PI Scheme
Dr Aneal Sidhu discussed advancements in mental health research and professional development opportunities within the field. - Sexual Safety in Inpatient Settings
Rachel Horton and Alison Blofield emphasised the importance of ensuring safety and trust in care environments.
The day concluded with the much-anticipated Breaking and Mending session, a candid and inspiring conversation with Novelist and Former NHS Psychiatrist, Dr Joanna Cannon, facilitated by Dr Mowshica Rajah (foundation year 2 doctor in Psychiatry) and Dr Isra Ahmed (Junior Doctor in Psychiatry).
Research Posters and Networking
- Poster Presentations and Competitions: Attendees had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge research projects showcased in the poster presentations. The event culminated in the announcement of the winning poster, submitted by the MPFT Hospital In-Reach Recovery Pathway Team, as announced by Dr Ignasi Agell.
- Networking Opportunities: From morning coffee to lunch breaks, the conference created spaces for attendees to connect and collaborate.
Thank you to all involved!
A huge thank you to all speakers, attendees, and contributors who made the MPFT Acute Mental Health Inpatient Conference a success. Catch some of the event’s highlights on X using the hashtag #MPFTWOO.