In support of simulation: effectiveness of an online, simulated practicum in professional psychology for development of psychologist competence

Objective Traditional face-to-face postgraduate psychology practicums are associated with a range of challenges, such as poor availability and accessibility of supervised placements, difficulty accumulating adequate client contact and supervision hours, and lack of consistency and standardisation between placements. While the use of simulated practicums in health-related fields is becoming increasingly acknowledged, the efficacy is less well understood.Method Building on a previous pilot evaluation, this study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of a fully online and simulated practicum for professional psychology trainees in developing initial professional competencies.Results The results indicated that trainee competencies, as assessed by board approved supervisors, significantly improved across all domains from mid-to-end-of-practicum. Furthermore, the study found that completion rates for the online, simulated practicum were significantly higher, and rates of extensions to complete the practicum were significantly lower, compared to previously offered face-to-face practicums.Conclusions These findings provide some empirical support for the use of simulated practicum experiences for postgraduate psychology students. Simulated practicum can provide standardised training for psychologists to develop core competencies and overcome barriers to traditional face-to-face practicum experiences and has the potential to increase the level of competency for trainees prior to commencement of face-to-face practicum or internships.