Effects of online training on social work students’ efficacy and confidence related to screening, brief intervention, referral and treatment

E-learning has become an important part of training in a growing number of social work programs. Evidence-based models such as Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment (SBIRT) expand prevention efforts and help social workers screen for risk factors and existing substance use disorders in a variety of health-care settings. The purpose of this study was to assess one e-learning platform, Kognito, and examine the efficacy of first year MSW students in the use of SBIRT with virtual clients. Results showed no significant difference due to undergraduate education preparation in the students’ ability to use SBIRT and receive scores indicating a baseline competency. Overall, students’ level of confidence increased in their ability to engage in early intervention practices after completing the SBIRT training. When comparing BSW students to non-BSW student’s confidence in using SBIRT, there was a significant difference with BSW students showing higher confidence levels. Our findings demonstrate that training MSW students in SBIRT can have positive effects generally (providing a baseline competency level) and can assist students in their confidence to use this model. Further research may be warranted to explore if MSW students with BSW degrees express higher confidence in other practices as well.