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Feryn N, De Corte J, Roose R. The DNA of Social Work as a Partner in Primary Health Care. SOCIAL WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 37:407-418. [PMID: 34927558 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2021.2017381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There is a strong focus on primary health care (PHC), as rooted in a commitment to social justice and equity, to reduce social inequalities in health. Within PHC, interprofessional collaboration is emphasized to achieve these objectives. Social workers are a renewed partner within these collaborations, as principles of social justice and human rights are the core of this profession. However, it is unknown if and how social work implements these principles in primary health care settings. This systematic literature review examined the existing literature on the role of social work in primary health care settings on themes of social justice. Our results emphasize how valuable the presence of social workers in primary health care is because of their broad perspective on health. At the same time, we also reveal a few points of concern, as their focus on social justice remains rather individual. This review suggests the strengthening of a social justice based approach in primary health care, which is an issue that should be shared with other healthcare professionals. We discuss implications for practice, research and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Feryn
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joris De Corte
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rudi Roose
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Rowe JM, Jang E, Rizzo VM, Kim Y, Ewald B, Vail MR, Drechsler K. Supporting free clinic patients' social needs with MSW interns: A pilot study. SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE 2021; 60:334-353. [PMID: 33657981 DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2021.1894307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Social needs, which are social risk factors including lack of access to stable housing, healthy food, or reliable transportation, are recognized as integral to health. Free clinics tend to serve patients with social needs, yet, few are screened or receive assistance. Lack of personnel, resources, and procedures to identify and assist patients are reasons few free clinics consider social needs. To address this service gap, a midwestern free clinic and neighboring Masters of Social Work (MSW) program established a partnership. A social needs screen was developed and integrated into health care practice. An MSW intern was also embedded as a member of the health care team to provide social needs assistance. A 6-month pilot study was conducted to assess the value of the screen and use of MSW assistance services. Of the 223 patients screened, 66.4% (n = 146) scored positive for social needs. Only four percent (n = 6) of the patients used MSW services. Chi-square analyses reveal significant differences in social needs by age, gender, race, education, and primary language. The findings suggest that the screening and MSW intern services are valuable; however, they further suggest that screening alone may be insufficient to encourage utilization of MSW services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannine M Rowe
- College of Letters and Science, Department of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, USA
| | - Eunyoung Jang
- College of Letters and Science, Department of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, USA
| | - Victoria M Rizzo
- School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, State University of New York, New York, USA
| | - Yeongmin Kim
- College of Letters and Science, Department of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, USA
| | - Bonnie Ewald
- Social Work and Community Health, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Matthew R Vail
- Community Health Equity and Engagement, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Katherine Drechsler
- College of Letters and Science, Department of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, USA
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Berrett-Abebe J, Donelan K, Berkman B, Auerbach D, Maramaldi P. Physician and nurse practitioner perceptions of social worker and community health worker roles in primary care practices caring for frail elders: Insights for social work. SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE 2020; 59:46-60. [PMID: 31783722 DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2019.1695703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Social workers (SW) and community health workers (CHW) have emerged as key workforce personnel in efforts to care for elders in the U.S. However, little is known about the presence and roles of SW and CHW in primary care practices. This paper presents findings from a nationally representative survey of geriatrics and primary care practices. Physician and nurse practitioner clinicians were randomly selected within practices, stratifying by practice staffing and presence/absence of geriatric clinicians; our final sample for this analysis included 341 practices. Key findings include: reported challenges in meeting the social service needs of elders, underutilization of SW, and fuller utilization of social work competencies in practices in which both SW and CHW were present. These findings offer a unique perspective of SW on interprofessional teams and have implications for the future of the profession.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen Donelan
- Health Policy Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Barbara Berkman
- Columbia School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Peter Maramaldi
- School of Social Work, Simmons University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Public Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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McGregor J, Mercer SW, Harris FM. Health benefits of primary care social work for adults with complex health and social needs: a systematic review. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2018; 26:1-13. [PMID: 27059167 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of complex health and social needs in primary care patients is growing. Furthermore, recent research suggests that the impact of psychosocial distress on the significantly poorer health outcomes in this population may have been underestimated. The potential of social work in primary care settings has been extensively discussed in both health and social work literature and there is evidence that social work interventions in other settings are particularly effective in addressing psychosocial needs. However, the evidence base for specific improved health outcomes related to primary care social work is minimal. This review aimed to identify and synthesise the available evidence on the health benefits of social work interventions in primary care settings. Nine electronic databases were searched from 1990 to 2015 and seven primary research studies were retrieved. Due to the heterogeneity of studies, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Although there is no definitive evidence for effectiveness, results suggest a promising role for primary care social work interventions in improving health outcomes. These include subjective health measures and self-management of long-term conditions, reducing psychosocial morbidity and barriers to treatment and health maintenance. Although few rigorous study designs were found, the contextual detail and clinical settings of studies provide evidence of the practice applicability of social work intervention. Emerging policy on the integration of health and social care may provide an opportunity to develop this model of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jules McGregor
- Health and Social Care Department, City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Stewart W Mercer
- Department of Primary Care Research, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Fiona M Harris
- NMAHP Research Unit, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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Rowe JM, Rizzo VM, Vail MR, Kang SY, Golden R. The role of social workers in addressing nonmedical needs in primary health care. SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE 2017; 56:435-449. [PMID: 28509620 DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2017.1318799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonmedical needs are intricately linked to health. Unaddressed nonmedical needs often result in poorer health and increased healthcare costs. Although social workers are well positioned to address nonmedical needs, their role in healthcare environments to address nonmedical needs is limited. The limited role relates to a lack of reimbursement streams, which stems from poor articulation about their unique contributions. An analysis of a case study in which a social worker using AIMS, a protocolized care coordination model, was undertaken to highlight specific activities performed by social workers. Implications for patient health outcomes and healthcare costs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannine M Rowe
- a Department of Social Work , University of Wisconsin-Whitewater , Whitewater , Wisconsin , USA
| | - Victoria M Rizzo
- b Department of Social work , Binghamton University , Binghamton , New York , USA
| | - Matthew R Vail
- c Health and Aging , Rush University Medical Center , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Suk-Young Kang
- b Department of Social work , Binghamton University , Binghamton , New York , USA
| | - Robyn Golden
- c Health and Aging , Rush University Medical Center , Chicago , Illinois , USA
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Francoeur RB. Agency social workers could monitor hypertension in the community. SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE 2010; 49:424-443. [PMID: 20521206 PMCID: PMC2965458 DOI: 10.1080/00981380903405271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Uncontrolled hypertension is highly prevalent, presents without symptoms, and constitutes a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Several factors impede individuals from adhering to treatment, while others work against physician monitoring and medication adjustment as the condition changes. As family counselors and leaders of self-help and mutual aid groups, social workers are among the best positioned professionals to help individuals, couples, and families improve psychosocial dynamics associated with hypertension, secure support, and overcome barriers to lifestyle changes or medication adherence. An important case is made for training social workers from community social service agencies to engage and guide their clients in accurate self-screenings for hypertension and to refer those with elevated blood pressure for follow-up care.
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