The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work is advancing interprofessional education through a new simulation in the SMART Hospital that brings together students from social work, nursing and criminal justice to collaborate on child maltreatment cases.
The simulation builds on a previously piloted case, known as “Alex’s case,” which was introduced in the fall through asynchronous learning and virtual group discussions. The new component adds a hands-on, experiential element designed to deepen students’ understanding of how different disciplines respond to child abuse cases.
“As we developed Alex’s case, we discussed expanding the learning experience by incorporating a simulation component,” said Tracy Orwig, director of interprofessional education and associate professor of practice at the UTA School of Social Work. “The goal was to allow students to work through the case collaboratively and experientially as an interprofessional team, strengthening their understanding of each discipline’s role.”
During the simulation, students work through a scenario involving a child who has disclosed sexual abuse. Participants must navigate reporting procedures to Child Protective Services and law enforcement while applying trauma-informed and patient-centered care.
Students participate in "Alex's Case" during an interprofessional education simulation at the SMART Hospital at the University of Texas at Arlington. (Photo by Tracy Orwig)
The experience is designed to prepare students for real-world practice by allowing them to engage in complex decision-making within a structured, supportive environment.
“The simulation provides students with the opportunity to work through a case together in a psychologically safe learning environment,” Orwig said. “This shared experience reinforces communication, role clarity and collaborative decision-making across professions.”
Held in the SMART Hospital, the simulation replicates a pediatric emergency room setting, complete with a triage area, a child manikin and a role-playing parent. The immersiveenvironment allows students to better understand how their roles function within a clinical setting.
“The SMART Hospital allows us to realistically simulate a pediatric emergency room environment,” Orwig said. “This immersive setting helps students contextualize their roles within a real clinical environment and enhances the authenticity of the learning experience.”
As a pilot project, the simulation will also serve as a learning opportunity for faculty and organizers. Feedback from students and volunteers will be used to refine theexperience for future implementation.
“Because this is our first time conducting a simulation within our Child Maltreatment Interprofessional Education activities, our goal is to assess what worked well and identify areas for improvement,” Orwig said.
Community partners have also played a key role in shaping the simulation, offering input throughout itsdevelopment and helping ensure theexperience reflects real-world practice.
“Interprofessional education is grounded in learning about, from and with one another,” Orwig said. “Having practicing professionals participate offers students a valuable opportunity to learn from real-world expertise.”
The simulation represents a broader effort to equip students with the collaborative skills needed to respond effectively to complex cases, while reinforcing the School of Social Work’s commitment to preparing graduates for interdisciplinary practice.