Developing clinical competence and compassion: Creative educational approaches to working with people with learning disabilities

This paper describes the use of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) within the University of Southampton’s Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) programme to develop and assess trainees’ skills in working with people with learning disabilities. Delivered in collaboration with a theatre company for people with learning disabilities, the OSCEs combine role-play, co-production, and reflection to promote inclusive, person-centred practice. Feedback from trainees, actors, and examiners highlights the authenticity, creativity, and emotional impact of this approach, demonstrating how co-produced simulation can enhance competence, compassion, and confidence in clinical psychology training. Easy to read summary ■ This paper is about how people training to be psychologists learn to work respectfully with people with learning disabilities. ■ People training to be psychologists take part in a role-play exam called an OSCE, where they meet actors (including actors with learning disabilities) and practise communication, listening, and understanding people’s needs. ■ The actors share what the experience was like for them. They also think about what it can feel like to meet a psychologist. Some actors shared poetry they had written to show their thoughts and feelings. ■ This work is important because it helps future psychologists understand real experiences, communicate with respect, and give better support to people with learning disabilities.