Abstract: Cross-Disciplinary Training to Improve Substance Use Service Readiness Among IPV Service Providers In a Southern State (Society for Social Work and Research 31st Annual Conference)
Search | Browse by Day | Presenter Index

690P Cross-Disciplinary Training to Improve Substance Use Service Readiness Among IPV Service Providers In a Southern State

Schedule:
Saturday, January 23, 2027
Continental 1-4 (Hilton San Francisco Union Square)
* noted as presenting author
Saijun Zhang, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Mississippi, University, MS
Catherine Poehling, DSW, MSW, MS, LCSW-BACS (LA), LCSW (MS), Assistant Professor, University of Southern Mississippi, MS
Xiaoshan Gordy, Associate Professor, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Chinedu Chukwu, Doctoral Candidate, University of Southern Mississippi
Jerome Kolbo, PhD, Professor, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
Masoumeh Karimi, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Morris Matthew, PhD, Associate Professor, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Andrew Voluse, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Erin Dehon, PhD, Professor, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Michelle Brassfield, Staff Member, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Danielle Lahn, Independent Consultant, Independent Consultant
Lisa Slade, Assistant Professor, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Deanna Howington, Instructor, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Kathleen Rhodes, Professor, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Tearsanee Davis, Director of Clinical Programs and Strategy, Center for Telehealth, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Sonja Fuqua, Chief Clinical Services Officer, Community Health Center Association of Mississippi
Lei Zhang, PhD, Professor, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) and intimate partner violence (IPV) frequently co-occur, yet service systems addressing these issues remain fragmented. Providers in healthcare and social services often lack cross-disciplinary training, limiting effective screening, response, and referral for individuals experiencing both SUD and IPV. Strengthening workforce capacity through integrated training is critical, particularly in high-need regions.

Purpose: This study evaluates a pilot cross-disciplinary training program designed to improve service providers’ knowledge, preparedness, and attitudes related to SUD service delivery within IPV-related practice settings in a Southern state.

Methods: A pre–post survey design was used to assess training outcomes among healthcare and community-based providers participating in a training initiative under a federally funded program. The in-person pilot training was delivered to IPV service providers across at least 11 agencies. A total of 59 participants completed pre-training surveys, 28 completed post-training surveys, and 16 participants contributed matched pre–post data. Outcomes included (1) preparedness for SUD-related tasks (7 items), (2) attitudes toward SUD service provision (10 items), and (3) SUD-related knowledge (18 items). Satisfaction was assessed post-training. Paired t-tests were used to evaluate changes.

Results: Significant improvements were observed across key domains. Preparedness increased from 2.78 to 3.95 on a 5-point scale (p < .001), with gains across all practice tasks, including screening, responding to disclosures, assessing readiness to change, and making referrals. Attitudes improved from 3.34 to 3.79 (p < .001), driven primarily by increased confidence in assessing and advising patients, though broader belief-based attitudes (e.g., perceptions of addiction as a chronic disease) showed limited change. Knowledge scores increased substantially, from 9.25 to 13.00 out of 18 (p < .001). Training satisfaction was favorable (mean = 3.75/5), with highest ratings for learning new information and intention to apply skills, and comparatively lower ratings for perceived relevance.

Discussion: Findings suggest that cross-disciplinary SUD training can effectively enhance provider readiness, confidence, and knowledge in addressing substance use within IPV-related services. However, shifts in deeper attitudinal beliefs may require more sustained or intensive interventions. Structural barriers, including workload constraints and limited organizational support, may also influence training impact and long-term practice change.

Implications: This pilot provides preliminary evidence supporting cross-sector training as a scalable strategy to improve integrated service delivery for populations affected by SUD and IPV. Future efforts should incorporate longitudinal follow-up, hands-on learning approaches, and system-level supports to sustain gains and promote implementation.

Back to: Poster Presentations 10
<< Previous Abstract | Next Abstract >>