Student social workers’ knowledge and perceptions of clinical psychologists

In order for appropriate and effective collaborative working between health and social care professionals, it is essential that there is a good understanding of each others’ training and roles. Interprofessional education is a key component in facilitating such understanding. The aim of this study was to examine student social workers’ knowledge and perceptions of Clinical Psychologists. A questionnaire was designed for this purpose and used on an opportunity sample of 10 post-graduate and 21 undergraduate social work students. Responses provided some evidence of a lack of understanding of the role of a clinical psychologist, perceived barriers to referral and perceptions of clinical psychologists as professionals. Implications of the findings are discussed and learning objectives for a workshop to address these responses are provided. It is anticipated that completing a similar task with trainee clinical psychologists regarding their knowledge and perceptions of social workers would be valuable.