title: Exploring the impact of a pre-service interprofessional educational intervention for school mental health trainees.
abstract: With collaborative interprofessional teams integral to school mental health (SMH) service delivery, pre-service educational strategies are needed to promote interprofessional collaboration among SMH trainees. The current study evaluated the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of a pre-service, interprofessional SMH educational intervention focused on promoting the cross-disciplinary competencies essential for SMH practice. Eight SMH trainees participated in the study. Using a mixed-method design, quantitative pre/post competency data were collected via trainee self-report. Qualitative data were collected through a focus group and reflection journals. Results indicate that the intervention promoted competency in all areas, with significant growth in the provision of learning supports to youth. Key factors influencing intervention feasibility included time/scheduling, changing school team composition, and project coordination. Trainees' perceptions of the educational intervention were related to buy-in, clinical experience, and role flexibility. Implications for the design of pre-service interprofessional SMH education strategies are discussed.
authors.affiliation: College of Social Work .
authors.forename: Aidyn L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Iachini
authors.forename: Mary Ellen
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Warren
authors.forename: Joni W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Splett
authors.forename: Melissa W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Leslie K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Mark D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Weist
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D006281:Health Occupations / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011361:Professional Competence; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012947:Social Work / Q000193:education*
keywords: Evaluation research; interprofessional collaboration; interprofessional education