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

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.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Ann Nolan Reese Endowed Penn Geriatrics Scholars Program, School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania.

Notes on contributors

Zvi D. Gellis

Zvi D. Gellis is Professor, Center for Mental Health & Aging, at the University of Pennsylvania. Christin Gregory is Senior Research Associate, Center for Mental Health & Aging, at the University of Pennsylvania. Denise LaMarra is Director, Standardized Patient Program, at the University of Pennsylvania. Janice Radway is Associate Director, Standardized Patient Program, at the University of Pennsylvania. Hannah Cao is Research Assistant, Center for Mental Health & Aging, at the University of Pennsylvania. Sophia Connors is Research Assistant, Center for Mental Health & Aging, at the University of Pennsylvania. Jennifer Delgado is Research Assistant, Center for Mental Health & Aging, at the University of Pennsylvania. Kelli Sloan is Research Assistant, Center for Mental Health & Aging, at the University of Pennsylvania. Joslyn Trovati is Research Assistant, Center for Mental Health & Aging, at the University of Pennsylvania.