Recommended first-line treatment with atypical antipsychotic medication for management of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders is contributory to weight gain and associated comorbidities. Beyond comorbid conditions – weight gain can lead to poor self-image, poor compliance and treatment outcomes in an already stigmatized population. Caregivers were selected as participants as they are a primary support in this population. In alignment with the Health Belief Model the purpose of this evidence-based intervention was to increase risk awareness, increase knowledge of strategies to offset risk, increase confidence and self-efficacy and empower health related behaviors among caregivers.

Participants were identified by providers in an outpatient mental health clinic as caregivers of patients prescribed atypical anti-psychotic medications adults aged 18 and above, able to read and understand English, and agree to provide consent. They were asked to:

1. Complete a demographic and knowledge pre-test, gauge perceived knowledge/confidence.
2. View an educational PowerPoint focused on atypical anti-psychotic medications, benefits, risks and strategies to mitigate weight-gain.
3. Complete a knowledge post-test and gauge perceived knowledge/confidence.

Descriptive statistics were used to examine distribution of variables, due to small sample size, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to compare outcomes. Qualitative data was also gathered to further develop interventions and inform practice. Comparison between pre- and post-test analysis demonstrated improvement in all areas of knowledge, perceived knowledge, and perceived confidence. Statistical analysis demonstrated statistical significance and high practical significance. One-hundred percent of participants recommended the intervention and provided qualitive feedback, and suggestions that may be used to inform practice.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to examine if a relationship existed between the changes in attitude and knowledge of a mental health care provider, before and after an educational intervention was given on how to identify sex trafficking victims.

Background: According to the National Trafficking Hotline (2017), last year there were over 5,000 cases of sex trafficking reported. Lederer & Wetzel (2014) discuss that more than 88% of victims interact with a health care provider while being trafficked at least once. A majority of cases, mental health care providers were informed that their patient was a sex trafficking victim through collaboration of other services. Without this collaboration, many providers would have never
known that they had interacted with a victim (Domoney, Howard, Abas, Broadben, & Oram, 2015).

Methods: The participant population consisted of psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychologists working in acute and out patient settings.
A pre survey was given to identify the participant’s knowledge of sex trafficking and their awareness of available resources and tools to help screen as well as treat victims of sex trafficking. After completion, the participants viewed an educational voice over presentation that educated them on how to identify current sex trafficking victims, what screening tools are available, the mental health risk factors and how to protect both the victim and provider from potential danger from the alleged trafficker. A post survey was then given to assess their knowledge after the presentation intervention, how much they retained and their confidence in being able to assess and treat sex trafficking victims. All surveys and the presentation were available online for participant convenience via a private link.

Results: The knowledge posttest score was higher than the pretest (Z=-2.694, p<0.007).
The confidence score on treating sex trafficking victims was higher posttest (Z=-2.251, p<0.024) No significant change in attitudes for advocating for sex trafficking victim care. All providers agreed that this high-risk vulnerable population needs advocates (Z=4.67, p<0.707).

Conclusion: All providers agreed for the need to advocate for victim care prior to the educational intervention. The results suggest that mental health providers are more knowledgeable posttest about risk factors, have a higher level of confidence in treating sex trafficking victims and have a higher confidence in their ability to protect victims and provide adequate care.