Computerized Clinical Training Simulations with Virtual Clients Abusing Alcohol: Initial Feasibility, Acceptability, and Effectiveness

Abstract

Although masters-level social work students typically build clinical skills via role-playing with their peers or instructors, several innovative training simulations are emerging in the literature that may enhance existing skill-building methodologies. We evaluated the initial feasibility, acceptability, usability, and effectiveness of three computerized simulations (two cognitive behavioral therapy, one motivational interviewing) during an interpersonal practice course among 22 students in a Master of Social Work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Trainees repetitively practiced their clinical skills with virtual clients while receiving feedback via real-time nonverbal cues, transcript review, and performance assessment across pre-specified theoretical learning objectives. Across the three simulations, at least 86.4% of students completed the required protocol and completed M = 468.95 (SD = 178.27) minutes of simulated sessions. Students improved their scores (range 0 to 100) across all the simulations from M = 63.41 (SD = 11.13) to M = 93.64 (SD = 3.24). Students found the simulations to be acceptable with strong usability. Paired sample t-tests revealed students reported greater self-efficacy in general clinical skills, exploration skills, insight skills, and action skills between pre-test and post-test after completing the simulations (all p < 0.001). Students reported that the clinical skills learned from the simulations translated into successful interactions with real-world clients during their field placements. We discuss the results of this initial feasibility study within the context of simulation-based learning and the potential for broader implementation within MSW programs.

Technology-Based Methods for Training Counseling Skills in Behavioral Health: a Scoping Review

“…In pilot work, 22 social work students were given access to two cognitive behavioral and one motivational interviewing computer simulation program as part of an enhanced practice course. Usability and acceptability outcomes showed sustained program engagement, self-reported acceptability, and changes in simulation scores in a within-group, pre-post design (Smith et al, 2020 ). Another pilot study of practicing healthcare providers ( N = 20) showed similar acceptability, engagement, and changes in knowledge scores for suicide assessment (O’Brien et al, 2019a , b ).…”

Evaluating Simulation-Based Tobacco Treatment Scenarios for Providers Delivering Treatment for People Living With Mental Illnesses

“…A previous study found that tobacco treatment training increases knowledge, competency, and self-efficacy in tobacco treatment delivery by MHPs ( 30 ). Moreover, a more recent study assessing the use of virtual simulation to enhance counseling skills for alcohol dependence treatment among social work master's level students found that engagement in the simulation-based training resulted in improved self-efficacy and general clinical skills ( 31 ). In a similar fashion, our study findings provide some level of validation for the use of animated scenarios to enhance knowledge acquisition and intentions to change practice.…”

Computerized Suicide Prevention Clinical Training Simulations: A Pilot Study

“…SIMmersion uses a proprietary technology called PeopleSim to increase knowledge acquisition, allow for skill-building practice, and provide integrated feedback required to develop advanced skills in their computer-assisted clinical training sessions with virtual human clients. Prior studies of SIMmersion's non-suicide-focused simulations have demonstrated that trainees effectively learned to use clinical techniques such as client engagement, mental and behavioral health screening, CBT, and MI (Huttar & BrintzenhofeSzoc, 2020; Mastroleo et al, 2020; Putney et al, 2021; Smith et al, 2021; Washburn et al, 2020).…”