Using Computer Simulations To Teach Clinical Skills

A team of Michigan Social Work researchers’ new paper, “Computerized Clinical Training Simulations with Virtual Clients Abusing Alcohol: Initial Feasibility, Acceptability, and Effectiveness,” used computer simulations to teach clinical skills to MSW students. Students reported that the clinical skills learned from the simulations translated into successful interactions with real-world clients during their field placements.  Associate Professor Matthew Smith is the lead author; co-authors include Postdoctoral Research Fellow Shannon Blajeski, Assistant Professor Lindsay Bornheimer, TIDR Lab Manager Kathryn Check, Clinical Assistant Professor Daniel Fischer, Clinical Assistant Professor Barbara Hiltz and Professor Mary Ruffolo.