Utilization of Web-Based Training to Train Clinicians in the Prolonged Exposure Protocol

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research study is to explore the efficacy and desirability of using web-based simulation training to teach prolonged exposure (PE) to clinicians. PE is a trauma-focused, evidence-based practice (EBP) used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The driving research questions are 1. What are clinicians’ perceptions of PE pre-and post-training? 2. Does the clinician’s confidence and comfort using PE change post-implementation of the web-based training? 3. Does the clinician’s knowledge of PE change post-web-based training? The research study was conducted at a nonprofit agency across four states in the United States and utilized a web-training platform to introduce PE as an EBP to its clinicians and interns. The participants engaged in a training program that included a pretest and posttest survey to examine the changes in their confidence, comfort, knowledge, perception, and utilization of PE. Posttest improvement was found in three areas – confidence of the clinician, comfortableness of implementing PE, and knowledge of PE. Results regarding perception and utilization of PE were not statistically significant. Considering the efficacy, accessibility, and broadness of the clinical population that can be helped with PE this research study supports that it is beneficial to increase the number of clinicians utilizing web-based training for PE. This study suggests that effective web-based training can be utilized to decrease barriers to training such as cost, time, or geographic location. Broader implementation of web-based training in the field of social work does improve confidence in relation to evidence-based practices, such as PE.