Integrating simulation into the social work curriculum

Immersive simulations offer exciting potential for students to apply knowledge and skills to practice-real situations in a safe learning environment, however to date, almost no literature has been published on simulation in UK social work education. Social work programmes have traditionally incorporated classroom-based practice exercises such as role play, and there has been some application of OSCE in both North American universities (Bogo et al, 2014) and UK practice-based routes (Maxwell et al, 2016). We are currently undertaking a two-year research project evaluating simulation in social work university education. This abstract presents our development and delivery of a unique and innovative, full-scale simulation which was integrated into the curriculum of a postgraduate qualifying social work programme.