Feasibility of a computer application to develop social workers knowledge of integrated healthcare concepts.

Disseminating evidence-based knowledge and strengthening the education program of the healthcare workforce is an essential step toward achieving transformation of the U.S. healthcare delivery system to integrated healthcare. Computer applications may be an effective approach for social workers to learn integrated concepts. A feasibility study using an experimental research design was used to compare instructional approaches among MSW students (N = 15) composed of experimental (N = 7) and control (N = 8) group participants. Students completed a pre-test on integrated healthcare concepts and screening measures along with a post-test on screening measures. While ANCOVA results suggest no significant differences on post-test scores between the two groups, dependent sample t-test revealed a significant increase for both groups. Results suggest training on an integrated healthcare topic using a computer application is feasible. Future research should be conducted to determine if the computer application is comparable to other instructional methods.