Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Guidelines for Advancing Clinical Social Work Practice Through Articulating Practice Competencies: The Toronto Simulation Model

Clinical Social Work Journal volume 49, pages 117–127 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Knowledge for clinical social work practice is ever evolving and consists of underlying explanatory concepts, practice models, and intervention skills. Conceptualization and identification of competencies for practice provides a bridge from knowledge and understanding to actual skills needed in clinical sessions. Articulating competencies also guides education of students and provides grounded skills and behaviors needed for clinical research. Analysis of simulation-based practice provides a useful methodology to identify generic practice competencies as well as competencies in specialized fields of practice. This paper presents a simulation education model and illustrates how the use of simulation enabled clinical scholars to articulate core competencies in specialized areas of social work practice. Case examples and related competencies for practice with adolescents, victims of elder abuse, and in mental health practice will demonstrate this process. Examples are drawn from reflections on practice wisdom, analysis of experienced social work practitioners, and relevant literature. Resulting competencies contribute to scholarship for clinical practice.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Fig. 1

Source Adapted from: Bogo et al. (2014)

References

  • Abbott-Chapman, J., Denholm, C., & Wyld, C. (2007). Pre-service professionals’ constructs of adolescent risk-taking and approaches to risk management. Journal of Sociology, 43(3), 241–261. https://doi.org/10.1177/1440783307080105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Almeida, R., Jorge, B. M., Souza-Junior, V. D., Mazzo, A., Martins, J. C. A., Negri, E. C., & Mendes, I. A. C. (2018). Trends in research on simulation in the teaching of nursing: An integrative review. Nursing Education Perspectives, 39, E7–E10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bland, A. J., Topping, A., & Wood, B. (2011). A concept analysis of simulation as a learning strategy in the education of undergraduate nursing students. Nurse Education Today, 31, 664–670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2010.10.013

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Blundo, R., & Bullington, J. (2007). Abuse of elderly male clients: Efforts and experiences in rural and urban adult protective services. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 19(1–2), 173–191. https://doi.org/10.1300/J084V19n01_11

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bogo, M. (2018). Social work practice: Integrating concepts, processes, and skills (2nd ed.). New York: Columbia University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Bogo, M., Katz, E., Regehr, C., Logie, C., Mylopoulos, M., & Tufford, L. (2013). Toward understanding meta-competence: An analysis of students’ reflections on their simulated interviews. Social Work Education, 32(2), 259–273. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2012.738662.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bogo, M., Rawlings, M., Katz, E., & Logie, C. (2014). Using simulation in assessment and teaching: OSCE adapted for social work. Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bogo, M., Regehr, C., Logie, C., Katz, E., Mylopoulos, M., & Regehr, G. (2011). Adapting objective structured clinical examinations to assess social work students' performance and reflections. Journal of Social Work Education, 47(1), 5–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bogo, M., Regehr, C., Power, R., Hughes, J., Woodford, M., & Regehr, G. (2004). Toward new approaches for evaluating student field performance: Tapping the implicit criteria used by experienced field instructors. Journal of Social Work Education, 40(3), 417–426.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bogo, M., Regehr, C., Woodford, M., Hughes, J., Power, R., & Regehr, G. (2006). Beyond competencies: Field instructors' descriptions of student performance. Journal of Social Work Education, 42(3), 191–205. https://doi.org/10.5175/JSWE.2006.200404145.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burnes, D. (2017). Community elder mistreatment intervention with capable older adults: Toward a conceptual practice model. The Gerontologist, 57, 409–416. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnv692.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Burnes, D., Acierno, R., & Hernandez-Tejada, M. (2019). Help-seeking among victims of elder abuse: Findings from the National Elder Mistreatment Study. The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Social Sciences, 74, 891–896. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gby122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burnes, D., Rizzo, V. M., Gorroochurn, P., Pollack, M., & Lachs, M. S. (2016). Understanding service utilization in cases of elder abuse to inform best practices. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 35, 1036–1057. https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464814563609.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cant, R. P., & Cooper, S. J. (2017). Use of simulation-based learning in undergraduate nurse education: An umbrella systematic review. Nurse Education Today, 49, 63–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cesare, P., & King, R. (2015). Social workers’ beliefs about the interventions for schizophrenia and depression: A comparison with the public and other health professionals—An Australian analysis. British Journal of Social Work, 45(6), 1750–1770.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheetham, G., & Chivers, G. (2005). Professions, competence and informal learning. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.

    Google Scholar 

  • Council on Social Work Education. (2017). Specialized practice curricular guide for gero social work practice. https://www.cswe.org/Education-Resources/2015-Curricular-Guides/Gero_Guide_WEB_final_NewSite.aspx.

  • Council on Social Work Education, CSWE. (2015). Education Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). https://www.cswe.org/File.aspx?id=81660.

  • Craig, S. L., McInroy, L. B., Bogo, M., & Thompson, M. (2017). Enhancing competence in health social work education through simulation-based learning: Strategies from a case study of a family session. Journal of Social Work Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2017.1288597

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Craig, S. L., McInroy, L. B., Goulden, A., Eaton, A. D., Kourgiantakis, T., Bogo, M., et al. (2020). The health social work competency rating scale: Development of a tool for education and practice. Social Work Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2020.1768233

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Damasio, A. (2005). Descartes’ error: Emotion, reason, and the human brain. New York: Harper Collins.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duncan, R. E., Williams, B. J., & Knowles, A. (2012). Breaching confidentiality with adolescent clients: A survey of Australian psychologists about the considerations that influence their decisions. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 19(2), 209–220. https://doi.org/10.1080/13218719.2011.561759

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Freake, H., Barley, V., & Kent, G. (2007). Adolescents’ views of helping professionals: A review of the literature. Journal of Adolescence, 30(4), 639–653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2006.06.001

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gaba, D. M. (2007). The future vision of simulation in healthcare. Simulation in Healthcare, 2, 126–135. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.SIH.0000258411.38212.32

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gonsalvez, C., Deane, F. P., Terry, J., & Gooi, C. H. (2020). Anatomy of psychology practitioner competence: Clustering approach reveals the hierarchical organization of competencies. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1111/cpsp.12347

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gushwa, M., & Harriman, K. (2019). Paddling against the tide: Contemporary challenges in field education. Clinical Social Work Journal, 47, 17–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-018-0668-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Halarewicz, A. K., Gelman, C., Ghesquiere, A., & Rogers, G. (2019). “Opening the door”: Developing and pilot testing an adult protective services worker engagement training in New York City. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 31(3), 191–208.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harden, R. M., Crosby, J. R., Davis, M. H., & Friedman, M. (1999). AMEE Guide No. 14: Outcome-based education: Part 5—From competency to meta-competency: A model for specification of learning outcomes. Medical Teacher, 21(6), 546–552.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harden, R. M., Stevenson, M., Downie, W. W., & Wilson, G. M. (1975). Assessment of clinical competence using objective structured examination. British Medical Journal, 1(5955), 447–451.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Issenberg, S. B., McGaghie, W. C., Petrusa, E. R., Gordon, D. L., & Scalese, R. J. (2005). What are the features and uses of high-fidelity medical simulations that lead to most effective learning? BEME Guide No. 4. Medical Teacher, 27(1), 10–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Iverson, L., Bredenkamp, N., Carrico, C., Connelly, S., Hawkins, K., Monaghan, M. S., & Malesker, M. (2018). Development and assessment of an interprofessional education simulation to promote collaborative learning and practice. Journal of Nursing Education, 57(7), 426–429.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jenkins, P. (2010). Having confidence in therapeutic work with young people: Constraints and challenges to confidentiality. British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 38(3), 263–274. https://doi.org/10.1080/03069885.2010.483128

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Katz, E. (2019). Using simulation to teach advanced competencies in mindfulness to social work students: A teaching note. Journal of Social Work Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2019.1593902

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kourgiantakis, T., Bogo, M., & Sewell, K. (2019a). Practice Fridays: Using simulation to develop holistic competence. Journal of Social Work Education, 55(3), 551–564. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2018.1548989.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kourgiantakis, T., Sewell, K. M., Hu, R., Logan, J., & Bogo, M. (2020). Simulation in social work education: A scoping review. Research on Social Work Practice, 30(4), 433–450. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731519885015.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kourgiantakis, T., Sewell, K. M., Lee, E., Adamson, K., McCormick, M., Kuehl, D., & Bogo, M. (2019b). Enhancing social work education in mental health, addictions, and suicide risk assessment: A teaching note. Journal of Social Work Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2019.1656590.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lamb, E. I., Jenkins, N., Male, P., McFetrich, J., Towart, M., & Sudlow, M. (2019). Primary care emergencies: Improved confidence in clinical and non-clinical members of the multidisciplinary team using a simulation programme. BMJ Simulation and Technology Enhanced Learning, 5(4), 192–193.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, E., Kourgiantakis, T., & Bogo, M. (2020a). Translating knowledge to practice: A simulation-based learning to enhance mental health competence in social work education. Social Work Education, 39(3), 329–349. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2019.1620723.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, E., & Toth, H. (2016). An integrated case formulation in social work: Toward developing a theory of the client. Smith Colleges Studies in Social Work, 86(3), 184–203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, E. (PI), Williams, C., Bogo, M., Johnstone, M. W., Fox, M. J., & Kourgiantakis, T. (2020b). Fostering Socially Just and Culturally Competent Practice (SJCCP) in social work education: Simulation-Based Learning (SBL) using digital technologies to create an innovative e-learning space. Ottawa: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lloyd-Hazlett, J., Moyer, M. S., & Sullivan, J. R. (2018). Adolescent risk-taking behaviors: When do student counselors break confidentiality? Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling, 4(2), 178–193. https://doi.org/10.1080/23727810.2017.1381934

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Logie, C., Bogo, M., Regehr, C., & Regehr, G. (2013). A critical appraisal of the use of standardized client simulations in social work education. Journal of Social Work Education, 49(1), 66–80. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2013.755377.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McAuliffe, D., & Chenoweth, L. (2008). Leave no stone unturned: The inclusive model of ethical decision making. Ethics and Social Welfare, 2(1), 38–49. https://doi.org/10.1080/17496530801948739

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Motola, I., Devine, L. A., Chung, H. S., Sullivan, J. E., & Issenberg, S. B. (2013). Simulation in healthcare education: A best evidence practical guide. AMEE Guide No. 82. Medical Teacher, 35, e1511–e1530.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neander, L., Hansona, B. L., Edwards, A. E., Shercliffe, R., Cattrella, E., Barnetta, J. D., et al. (2018). Teaching SBIRT through simulation: Educational case studies from nursing, psychology, social work, and medical residency programs. Journal of Interprofessional Education and Practice, 13, 39–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xjep.2018.08.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osmo, R., & Landau, R. (2001). The need for explicit argumentation in ethical decision-making in social work. Social Work Education, 20(4), 483–492. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615470120064723

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pillemer, K., Burnes, D., Riffin, C., & Lachs, M. S. (2016). Elder abuse: Global situation, risk factors and prevention strategies. The Gerontologist, 56, S194–S205. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw004

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Regehr, C., Stern, S. B., & Shlonsky, A. (2007). Operationalizing evidence-based practice: The development of an institute for evidence-based social work. Research on Social Work Practice, 17(3), 408–416.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Renouf, N., & Bland, R. (2005). Navigating stormy waters: Challenges and opportunities for social work in mental health. Australian Social Work, 58(4), 419–430.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sacco, P., Ting, L., Crouch, T. B., Emery, L., Moreland, M., Bright, C., et al. (2017). SBIRT training in social work education: Evaluating change using standardized patient simulation. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 17(1–2), 150–168. https://doi.org/10.1080/1533256X.2017.1302886

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sarfati, L., Ranchon, F., Vantard, N., Schwiertz, V., Larbre, V., Parat, S., et al. (2019). Human-simulation-based learning to prevent medication error: A systematic review. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 25(1), 11–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ten Cate, O. (2017). Competency-based postgraduate medical education: Past, present and future. GMS Journal of Medical Education. https://doi.org/10.3205/zma00146

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, M. S. C., Ansari, D., & Knowland, V. C. P. (2019). Annual research review: Educational neuroscience: progress and prospects. The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 60(4), 477–492. https://doi.org/10.1111/jepp.12973

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Trumble, S. (2012). The reason for clinical simulation. The Clinical Teacher, 9, 273–274. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-498X.2012.00639.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • United Nations. (2013). World population ageing 2013. https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/ageing/WorldPopulationAgeing2013.pdf.

  • Whitaker, T., Weismiller, T., & Clark, E. (2006). Assuring the sufficiency of a frontline workforce: A national study of licensed social workers. Executive summary. Washington, DC: National Association of Social Workers.

  • Williamson, E. C. (2020). Advancing field education as a key area of focus in the 2022 EPAS. Field Educator, 10(1), 1–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Winterton, J. (2009). Competence across Europe: Highest common factor or lowest common denominator? Journal of European Industrial Training, 33(8/9), 681–700.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization, WHO. (2018). Mental health atlas 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. Geneva: World Health Organization.

  • Yunus, R. M., Hairi, N. N., & Choo, W. Y. (2017). Consequences of elder abuse and neglect: A systematic review of observational studies. Trauma, Violence, and Abuse. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838017692798

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The projects described in this paper were supported by The Larry Enkin Simulation Fund at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St. West, Toronto, ON, M5S1V4, Canada

    Marion Bogo, Toula Kourgiantakis, David Burns, Bryn King & Eunjung Lee

Authors
  1. Marion Bogo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Toula Kourgiantakis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. David Burns
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Bryn King
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Eunjung Lee
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marion Bogo.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Bogo, M., Kourgiantakis, T., Burns, D. et al. Guidelines for Advancing Clinical Social Work Practice Through Articulating Practice Competencies: The Toronto Simulation Model. Clin Soc Work J 49, 117–127 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-020-00777-6

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-020-00777-6

Keywords

search

Navigation