PRPlayers

Supporting Safe, Effective, and Timely Patient Discharge

Challenge

University College London Hospital (UCLH) approached Professional Role Players (PRP) to support their Safe Discharge Workshop - a vital training programme designed to improve the discharge process for patients.

This multi-agency workshop is delivered to healthcare professionals and students across health, social care, and voluntary sectors within North Central London, aiming to ensure discharges are timely, person-centred, and clinically safe.

Process

To meet the specific needs of the workshop, PRP assembled a team of seven experienced role players to perform a series of realistic theatre scenes, each highlighting key challenges in the discharge process.

Our role players were required to:

• Be highly skilled in Forum Theatre, capable of adapting in real time to audience input

• Be fully conversant with complex characters and scenarios

• Execute quick costume changes to portray multiple roles within a single session

Additionally, one facilitator was provided to guide the session, set up each scene, and lead participant discussions.

Solution

PRP delivered four dynamic theatre scenes, each depicting a different aspect of patient discharge. The facilitator structured the session, providing key context, managing audience engagement, and sharing up-to-date data on the impact of discharge practices across the NHS.

Between scenes, the facilitator allowed time for role players to switch costumes and transition into new characters, keeping the session smooth, seamless, and fully immersive.

Results

Participants were engaged from the moment of patient referral through to discharge, gaining a deeper understanding of how to collaboratively plan and execute a safe and effective discharge strategy.

By the end of the workshop, attendees had enhanced their knowledge and practical skills in the following areas:

• Initial and risk assessments

• Roles and responsibilities within multidisciplinary teams

• Patient-centred communication throughout the discharge process

The use of Forum Theatre combined with live interaction created a powerful and memorable learning experience, equipping participants to apply their insights in real-world clinical settings.