IMB Model in Practice: Social Workers’ Intentions to Change Their Practice Following HIV Mental Health Training

Abstract

We identified predictors of social workers’ intentions to integrate HIV and mental health care following Information, Motivation, Behavior Change (IMB) model trainings. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to understand applicability of the IMB model in promoting practice change. Significantly greater intentions to integrate care were found among participants who perceived an increase in knowledge (twofold) or who felt more comfortable (nearly fourfold) or capable (nearly fivefold) working with HIV-infected clients. Training that enhances knowledge and motivation enhanced social workers’ intentions to change clinical practice. IMB-based training builds social worker capacity to deliver integrated care. The results support utility of the IMB model in enhancing HIV care.

Keywords:

• HIV/AIDS
• mental health
• social workers
• integration of care
• training

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by contracts from the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute Clinical Education Initiative (CO23556-PI Karen McKinnon) and Ryan White Part B Training (CO24748-PI Karen McKinnon) and by the Health Resources Services Administration New York/New Jersey AIDS Education and Training Center (5 H4AHA00071-05-00-PI Francine Cournos).