COVID-19 and field education in Australia: exploring the use of simulation

Abstract

Given the change in social work education due to COVID-19, the use of simulation within social work field education provides a strategy to assist with skill development and training. The purpose of this study was to explore how simulation was utilised during COVID-19. A mixed-methods online survey was sent to social work academics and field educators within Australia (n = 33). Barriers to using simulation included costs, lack of expertise, technology, concerns regarding the limiting of student’s real-world practice opportunities and accreditation issues. The inclusion of simulation in field education has promise in skill development and allows student exposure to complex scenarios. ARTICLE HISTORY Received 17 December 2020 Accepted 16 June 2021