Integrated Care: Training the Next Generation of Social Workers

MSW students (n = 202) from four U.S. universities participated in a Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training program focused on integrated care with children and youth. Data were aggregated across programs to assess for improved scores on the Attitudes Towards Healthcare Teams Scale (ATHCTS). Students who identified as White reported significantly higher ATHCT scores at pre-test compared to students who identified as a racial or ethnic minority group. However, upon completion of the program, there were no statistically significant difference in post-test scores between White and racial and ethnic minority students. These findings suggest that specialized coursework and field experiences in integrated care can help erase any potential racial gaps in attitudes towards working in interprofessional teams.