title: Use of simulated clients in marriage and family therapy education.
abstract: Knowledge of how one should manage suicidal, homicidal, child maltreatment, and domestic violence situations is paramount in the training of marriage and family therapists (MFTs). Simulated patient modules were created to help clinical faculty address these crisis situations in a protected learning environment. The modules were implemented by the MFT faculty in collaboration with the Office of Clinical Skills Assessment and Education at East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine. Qualitative data over the course of 2 years revealed six thematic domains regarding therapists' performance, therapists' emotions, the simulation experiences, and lessons learned. Educational, clinical, and research recommendations include tools to implement simulation exercises into marriage and family therapy programs as well as suggestions to assess for teaching effectiveness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Development and Family Relations, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA. hodgsonj@ecu.edu
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hodgson
authors.forename: Angela L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Lamson
authors.forename: Elizabeth B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Feldhousen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006708:Homicide / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D009657:North Carolina; D015397:Program Evaluation; D000092864:Suicide Prevention