Effectiveness of an Integrated Simulation in Teaching Clinical Social Work Skills: Geriatric Mental Health Proficiency

Abstract

ABSTRACT Nationally, social work students face limited access to clinical education that examines the intersection of older adults, chronic disease, and mental health. This is critical due to a rapidly aging population and a shortage of geriatrics trained social workers. Scant data exists on the effectiveness of clinical simulations to prepare social work students in geriatrics and mental health specialties. In this study, 118 MSW students completed a simulation through the Standardized Patient (SP) Program consisting of a gerontology course, patient interview, debriefings, self-efficacy and counseling skill outcomes, and qualitative surveys. Students reported gains in knowledge, counseling self-efficacy, and clinical skill competency. Simulations assess students in clinical scenarios to improve counseling skills towards achieving clinical competency.