The Perceived Impact of Substance Use Education on Social Work Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Skills.

Background: In 2021, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) published a report revealing that over 46 million individuals in the United States had a substance use disorder (SUD). In the same year, a record number of drug-related overdose deaths were reported. Social workers play an important role in connecting with people who use substances and providing adequate care and treatment; yet, negative attitudes and lack of holistic knowledge about individuals who use substances create challenges in providing effective care.

Interprofessional skills as a predictor of culturally congruent practice behaviors.

Introduction: Evidence suggests that the development and implementation of interprofessional skills can positively impact culturally congruent practice among providers and patients, improving access and quality of care. Exploring the relationship between interprofessional skills and culturally congruent practice within health profession education can inform curricular efforts that better prepare the emerging workforce to provide accessible, high-quality care.

Method: This study examined if interprofessional skills predict culturally congruent practice behaviors in an interprofessional health care simulation with Master of Social Work and Master of Science in Nursing students (N = 79).

Changes in social work students' attitudes and knowledge following opioid overdose prevention training.

Opioid use disorders are widespread, commonly occurring, and have serious impacts on individuals, families, and communities. When adequately trained, social workers play a pivotal role in treating populations impacted by opioid use through the provision of high-quality services and the shifting of negative attitudes related to opioid use. However, workforce projections indicate a growing shortage of behavioral health professionals qualified to work with such populations and, presently, social work programs are not equipped to meet these workforce needs.

Optimizing screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) training for nurses and social workers: Testing the added effect of online patient simulation.

Social workers and nurses are critical to the amelioration of substance misuse, making their training in evidence-based practices such as screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) particularly pertinent. Online patient simulation (OPS) is one training modality that allows students to develop and practice SBIRT skills that they might not obtain through didactic instruction, but it can be time and resource intensive. The aim of this study was to test the effect of OPS, over and above in-person training, on students' SBIRT attitudes, knowledge, and perceived skills.

"Fear Runs Deep:" The Anticipated Needs of LGBT Older Adults in Long-Term Care.

Objectives: Older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults are a vulnerable yet resilient population who face unique stressors as they foresee health decline. This paper presents the results of a study about community-dwelling LGBT older adults' anticipated needs and fears related to nursing homes and assisted living.

Methods: This qualitative study collected data through seven focus groups.