Using Virtual Simulation to Teach Substance Use Screening and Brief Intervention Skills Across the Health Professions: Examining Training Outcomes Among an Interprofessional Graduate Student Sample

Background: The benefits of utilizing virtual simulation in substance use disorder (SUD) training are emerging in the literature. However, a clear understanding of how behavioral health graduate trainees experience virtual simulation as part of an interprofessional SUD training is still needed. Method: Graduate-level health professions students (N = 69) from four different behavioral health disciplines completed an interprofessional training program, including completion of two virtual simulations, that addressed SUD screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) and teamwork topics using an interprofessional lens. Participants completed a baseline and posttraining survey, pre- and postsimulation surveys, and a recorded debrief meeting postsimulation completion. Results: Quantitative results indicated statistically significant changes for drug perceptions (p < .001), interprofessional competency (p < .001), and preparedness and confidence implementing the SBIRT model between baseline and posttraining. Two overarching themes were identified as part of the qualitative analysis, including (a) the benefits and limitations of utilizing a structured virtual simulation within the context of interprofessional SUD training and (b) the benefits of utilizing interprofessional knowledge and teamwork when completing the simulation. Conclusions: Completing an interprofessional training for SUD and SBIRT using simulation may help better prepare behavioral health trainees in applying both SBIRT and interprofessional teamwork principles in their clinical work, thereby addressing the needs of their future patients.