AI-Powered Simulation Meets Firearm Injury Prevention Training

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AI-Powered Simulation Meets Firearm Injury Prevention Training

On March 9, 2026 CSWE hosted experts from Noodle and the University of Washington's Center for Firearm Injury Prevention (C-FIP) for a webinar on firearm injury prevention training and a live demonstration of Noodle's simulation tool, Dialogue.

Dr. Kelsey Conrick introduced C-FIP's Pathways 2 Safety (P2S) program—a skills-based training preparing clinicians to navigate conversations about firearm safety and secure storage. Designed for behavioral health providers with limited firearms familiarity, P2S addresses the need for structured, repeatable practice with feedback.

Noodle Dialogue enables students to practice high-stakes conversations through AI-powered simulations aligned to specific curricula and integrated into existing Learning Management Systems. For sensitive topics like firearm safety—where missteps can damage client trust or compromise safety—AI simulation offers a low-risk environment for students to build confidence and refine their approach through repetition before real-world practice. Participants witnessed a live demonstration featuring a simulated client concerned about a high-risk family member.

Noodle, a corporate partner of CSWE, also provides practicum placement services to strengthen and scale field education for social work programs.

View presentation slides

 

Full Webinar Details

AI for the Human Side of Social Work: Center for Firearm Injury Prevention at the University of Washington
At the heart of firearm injury prevention are complex, high-stakes conversations. Educators are increasingly looking for practical ways to help students rehearse these moments with structure, repetition, and feedback. In this session, Noodle and partners from the University of Washington’s Center for Firearm Injury Prevention (C-FIP) walked through how UW is using Noodle Dialogue, a voice-based simulation experience, within C-FIP–aligned coursework. Participant saw what a simulation looks like in practice and how feedback can support student reflection on communication, empathy, and tone.

What was Covered

  • An in-session demonstration of a simulated firearm injury prevention conversation
  • How UW is using simulation-based practice alongside training and instruction
  • Considerations for integrating dialogue practice into public health, prevention, and policy-focused programs as an alternative or complement to role-playing
  • Where this approach can fit within existing training and common learning environments
Take Aways
  • A clear view of the UW use case and how it is structured in training
  • Practical ideas you can adapt for your own program context
  • Questions to consider around implementation, student support, and measurement
Speakers
Kathy Wasilewski
VP, University Engagement and Field Placement; Noodle

Elissa Lappenga
VP, Learning Operations; Noodle

Kelsey Conrick
Postdoctoral Scholar Center for Firearm Injury Prevention, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington