Social Work Training day: Using simulator dolls to enhance understanding of teratogenic effects on antenatal
Authors: Khan, H., Parker, J. and Pourzanjani, P.
Conference: Solent University Social Work Training Day
Abstract:Background: The misuse of substances and abuse of alcohol is the root of many problems and has a high significance of requiring social work services and intervention. This is particularly important during pregnancy as prenatal problem substance use is associated with poor foetal outcomes and higher chances of developing Neonate Abstinence Syndrome and/or Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. With increasing caseloads involving problem substance use, social workers require an increasing need to develop competencies around problem substance use and addiction at all educational levels. Despite some curriculum guidance around addiction and pregnancy most social workers receive very little consistent academic training to develop their knowledge and training in this area. Social work education has not yet met the addiction workforce development needs. Most importantly, research shows that many social work and social care professionals are not clear of the health implications for the developing baby in relation to substance use. Educators can play an important role in providing clarity about the social work role and expectations according to their specialist area of practice in responding to substance use to improve their knowledge of substance use, and their levels of confidence.
Aims: To inform Social Work practitioners about the impact of problem substance use on foetal development during pregnancy and impact on the child and families. Method: Drug and Alcohol affected neonate simulators were used in an education training event for a mix of Adult and Children and Young People (N=25). All participants received a taught session on the impact of teratogens on foetal development and interacted with a low fidelity Foetal Alcohol Simulator (FAS) and a medium fidelity Drug Affected Simulator (DAS). In addition, participants were asked to think about their role as Social Work practitioners in facilitating a family affected by problem substance use. Results: Qualitative analysis of the Social Work commentaries were thematically analysed and divided into themes:’Kinaesthetic Learning’, ‘In their Shoes’, ‘Social Work role in educating others’ and Social Work practice implications’. Overall, findings revealed an increased understanding of the impact of teratogens on foetal development demonstrated via the neonate simulators. Additionally, social work practitioners revealed gaps in practice and suggested ways to help families affected by these issues. Conclusion: Use of neonate simulators improved social work practitioners understanding around the impact of teratogens and in particular addictive substances like drugs and alcohol during pregnancy. Furthermore, this research demonstrated the need for further education sessions around addiction to improve social work practice and policy for pregnant substance users and the implications around safeguarding their children. This study uncovered gaps in social work understanding around problem substance use during pregnancy and showed improved levels of confidence in addressing this issue in line with specialist areas of social work practice.
Source: Manual