Virtual patient simulations for brief assessment of mental health disorders in integrated care settings

Abstract

This mixed methods pilot investigation evaluated the use of virtual patient simulations for increasing self-efficacy and diagnostic accuracy for common behavioral health concerns within an integrated care setting. A two by three factorial design was employed to evaluate three different simulated training conditions with a sample of 22 Masters level behavioral health students. Results support engagement in virtual patient simulation training to increase students' self-efficacy in brief clinical assessment, and support the use of virtual patient simulations to improve diagnostic accuracy. Results further indicate that virtual patient simulations have sufficient levels of usability and acceptability as a tool for developing brief clinical interviewing skills, and that participants found this method of instruction to be a valuable adjunct to traditional classroom or field based training. Future directions and next steps for the integration of technology enhanced simulations in clinical social services education are explored.

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

“…In the context of social work education, there is a strong literature that speaks to the effectiveness of simulations (Kourgiantakis et al 2020), which suggests that social work programs may be moving toward piloting or adopting simulations into their curriculum. The technology-based simulations evaluated in this study, and in other studies (Huttar and BrintzenhofeSzoc 2020;Mastroleo et al 2020;O'Brien et al 2019;Putney, Levine, et al 2019a, b;Washburn et al 2020), provide strong researchinformed options for a post-COVID-19 world where more asynchronous training will be needed and simulations that are delivered via the internet are highly scalable when an effective implementation plan is followed. For example, MSW administrators can consider implementing the more basic simulations during their foundational coursework (e.g., Introducing CBT) while reserving simulations such as CBT Functional Analysis for advanced coursework or field practicums.…”

“…These technologies facilitate an immersive learning experience where students can repeatedly interact with virtual clients to safely practice their skills (Dodds et al 2018). Specifically, students learn to use psychosocial techniques such as client engagement, mental and behavioral health screening, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing (MI; Huttar and BrintzenhofeSzoc 2020;Mastroleo et al 2020;O'Brien et al 2019;Putney et al 2019a, b;Washburn et al 2020).…”

Using Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy to Enhance Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: Identifying Areas of Clinical Adoption and Potential Obstacles

“…Practice with virtual humans has also demonstrated effectiveness as a way to train for difficult conversations (32). A recent study found that virtual patient simulations can be an effective tool for developing brief clinical interviewing skills among behavioral health providers (33).…”

A New Reality: The Role of Simulated Learning Activities in Postgraduate Psychology Training Programs

“…In this study, students in masters' psychology and social work courses were allocated to one of three conditions, with each condition having a different combination of practice opportunities with virtual clients, and assessments with virtual or actor clients. The results after the final assessment indicated that having opportunities to practice clinical assessment with virtual clients increased the students' self-efficacy and diagnostic accuracy (Washburn et al, 2020).…”

“…A study from the United States focused specifically on the use of virtual simulated clients (Washburn et al, 2020). Virtual simulated clients can provide practice scenarios before students begin to interact with real clients, as well as overcoming many of the time and cost concerns of using trained actors.…”