2017/11/02 by Jonathan Scourfield, Nina Maxwell, Meng Le Zhang +6
Health Professions · Medicine · Social Sciences · #Interprofessional Education and Collaboration #Simulation-Based Education in Healthcare #Social Work Education and Practice
paper · doi:10.1177/1049731517735575
openalex publication_date 2017/11/02 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Objective: Using data from our evaluation of the Frontline fast-track social work training program, introduced by the Government in England, we compare the performance of the first cohort of Frontline trainees with students from regular social work programs using simulated practice. Method: Forty-nine Frontline trainees were compared with 36 postgraduate students in high-tariff universities and 30 students from a range of other regular programs. Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare the performance of the three groups in interviews and written reflections. Results: Frontline trainees were rated significantly higher than comparison groups for the quality of their interviewing and written reflection. Despite these higher ratings for practice quality, the Frontline trainees’ rating of their own confidence in their abilities was lower than their counterparts on regular programs. Conclusions: The practice quality of Frontline graduates is promising. Longitudinal research is needed in real practice settings.