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Holistic approaches, such as the Biopsychosocial model, have become mainstream frameworks for organizing mental health services in recent decades. However, little research has explored how frontline social workers embrace and synthesize the different dimensions within this holistic approach. This paper uses semi-structured interviews to investigate diverse conceptualizations of mental health issues among frontline social workers. Fourteen social workers from Hong Kong and twelve from Sydney were interviewed. Three prevalent positions were identified: prioritizing chemical imbalance, questioning the concept of illness, and refusing a fixed understanding of mental health issues. The analysis also reveals how these understandings influence frontline social work practice, uncovers broader socio-cultural influences through s cross-cultural lens, and highlights implications for social work education for navigating the inclusivity of holistic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited literature on the roles and tasks conducted by oncology social workers (OSW) who work with cancer patients in inpatient units. The purpose of this study was to delineate the roles reported to be significant to practice among OSWs who practice in inpatient settings and to identify the domains into which these roles fall. The data used in this secondary data analysis were collected in a large national study of OSWs to delineate the roles and tasks across all cancer settings. The sample extracted for this study were 240 OSWs who endorsed providing direct care to cancer patients in inpatient settings. Exploratory factor analysis revealed eight factors made up of 34 tasks. The roles were aligned with three of the four service areas in the Association of Oncology Social Scope of Practice and seven of the nine competencies set forth by the Council of Social Work Education. The findings can be used to enhance communications about the roles of inpatient OSWs across OSW constituencies, increase awareness of the role supervision and consultation to ensure equitable and just practice, enhance social work coursework to prepare students to work in healthcare inpatient settings, and in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Every child deserves the right to life. In Nigeria like other African countries, a high burden of child mortality prevails. Attaining a low-mortality rate of children entails that mothers who are the primary caregivers are in the best position to provide quality healthcare management. Method: With the phenomenological approach in qualitative research, the researchers sourced data using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDI) from 38 mothers of various categories. The participants were purposively selected from four government and mission health institutions in a semi-urban Nsukka town, Enugu State. Data were analyzed thematically. Findings: Results revealed that mothers utilize health institutions including government, mission, private, pharmacies and patent medicine vendors when seeking healthcare for their children. Their inability to recognize potential life-threatening conditions is the leading factor in increasing child mortality. Findings show that because participants were concerned about financial challenges; they were ready to adopt traditional medicine as an alternative to modern medicine. The study showed evidence of unsafe strategies mothers adopt for the health management of their under-five children with common illnesses. Participants indicated little knowledge of social workers' engagement in health institutions. Conclusion: Healthy living is essential in the protection from illnesses. Since under-five children are vulnerable to illnesses, their mothers should provide them with quality healthcare management. The study recommends that social workers' engagement with health providers and users in semi-urban societies could help propagate healthcare awareness and strategies in mothers' choice of health management for under-five children in Nigeria. Overall, adequate health policy consideration should be given to all under-five children in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very few literatures have focused on transition of older adults from hospitals to nursing homes in African region. As a first step, this study explored the experience of medical social worker when transiting older adult from the hospital to nursing home in southwestern region of Nigeria. A descriptive qualitative approach collected through a semi-structured interview among 16 medical social workers showed that there is limited availability of nursing home facilities in Nigeria. Additionally, bureaucratic and administrative hurdles often added to the complexities of facilitating seamless transitions into nursing care homes. Cultural beliefs and family dynamics exert a substantial influence on the decision-making process, making the task of medical social workers even more intricate. There is a need for a greater support from policymakers and healthcare authorities to address the challenges facing Nigerian medical social workers. Hence, to better understand and address these experiences, the healthcare system can better equip medical social workers to navigate the transitions effectively and ensure the well-being of older adults during this crucial phase of their lives is adequately supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social workers in Perinatal Palliative Care (PPC) play an essential role in caring for birthing people carrying a baby with a life-limiting condition and their families. Perinatal palliative care is consistent with social work values concerning fostering quality of life and promoting social justice and access to care. Social workers play a multidimensional role in providing a holistic approach to caring for the birthing person, baby, and family. Although social workers may be part of an interdisciplinary care team, their role is not defined solely by the goals of the greater team, nor has it been discussed in depth in the perinatal palliative care literature. The purpose of this paper is to describe the knowledge, values, and skills essential to the role of the social worker in a hospital-based perinatal palliative care team. A case study will be used to illustrate the relevant practices, and implications are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A companion robot named Hyodol is a digital technology implemented for eldercare in South Korea. Drawing insights from semi-structured interviews with public social workers actively involved in the Hyodol care program, this study explores how social workers contribute to the success of the robotic care program. Throughout the phases of selecting potential users, introducing older adults to the robot, and maintaining the robotic program, the practical wisdom of social workers plays an important role. Despite the increased workload in case management and the emotional labor associated with navigating the care system, these pioneering social workers maintained high morale to adopt the robotic care system. By shedding light on the specific roles of social workers, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics that underlie successful robotic eldercare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the Wellness in Chronic Care (WCC) model, an innovative integrative clinical intervention method aimed at helping social workers manage the care of patients living with chronic illnesses and their families. The goal is to propose appropriate clinical responses to the changing reality of the health system. This new reality poses new challenges that require caregivers (social work practitioners and family members) to develop suitable skills and expertise. The intervention method we developed offers a new paradigm that entails partnership and the need to assume responsibility in decision-making while coping with the illness over time. The intervention provides practical tools and methods for coping and managing the illness. These factors have contributed to building a specifically tailored intervention program for patient and family care to achieve an effective and meaningful wellbeing. An assessment of the training program of the intervention model and its implementation is presented. The model was found to be essential yet some found it difficult to make the needed changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Value-based payment models may improve patient health by targeting quality of care over quantity of health services. Social workers in primary care settings are well-positioned to improve the quality of health services for vulnerable patients by identifying and addressing patients' social determinants of health. This case study describes a Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) quality improvement approach implemented and refined by social workers to proactively address clinical quality gaps in one family medicine practice. The studied program – entitled Gap Closure Day – was led by a team of social workers to improve quality outcomes of patients. Findings highlight the important roles of social workers as members of health care teams to improve the quality of health services and address health equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral health has been largely overlooked in conceptualizing health, and the workforce responsible for addressing the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) within oral health settings has received little attention. While the role for social work in oral health has remained limited, there has been recent growth articulating its role in dental education. This paper presents a case study of how social work has been implemented into one school of dentistry in the U.S. to address SDOH and offers a roadmap for integration of social work into dental education, including opportunities for interprofessional health care experiences related to SDOH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social workers have emerged as leaders within Addiction Consult Services (ACS) due to their ability to provide a wide range of services, from crisis work and brief therapeutic interventions to connecting patients to community resources. Many hospitals have implemented ACS to address the overdose crisis and the sharp rise in drug use-related infections, including skin and soft tissue infections, osteomyelitis, and endocarditis; a result of unaddressed systemic social determinants of health (SDOH). Yet, despite social workers being at the forefront of inpatient substance use work, little guidance exists regarding social work's role in leading person-centered addiction care and addressing SDOH in the hospital setting. The authors of this paper are licensed clinical social workers who have worked across five different health systems, engaging persons who use drugs (PWUD) in the context of an ACS. This paper examines five practice interventions of social work practice within hospitals that represent key points for innovation. Drawing on social work's unique commitments to social justice, strengths, and person-in-environment, these interventions operate within eco-social approaches to help us grapple more effectively with ways that health – and disease – are socially and economically produced by multiple interacting factors. We provide a clinical roadmap of interventions for social workers in hospital settings with PWUD to demonstrate how social work leadership within inpatient care models can help us better address the impacts of various intersecting SDOH on the care of PWUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study compares perspectives of nurses (n = 5) and social workers (n = 12) about their role in caring for patients with dementia with behavioral and psychological problems in an acute care setting. A thematic qualitative analysis was conducted using the Rigorous and Accelerated Data Reduction Technique (RADaR). Three themes emerged: engagement of the patient and coordination with family and professionals, treatment and medical management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in the hospital, and barriers to care. Barriers to care are identified by both professions, with each having its own care niche. Social workers and nurses work as a team with the understanding that they face care challenges. Person centered care is a successful approach for the care team working with patients with BPSD.

This paper explores the challenges faced by unhoused women in accessing general and reproductive health care services in Santa Cruz, CA. Semi-structured interviews with women experiencing houselessness were conducted in Santa Cruz, CA with a focus on their narrative experiences as patients. The overwhelming majority of participants expressed appreciation for clinics that provided support through longer hours, alternative therapies, and appointment reminders. Overall, the interviews indicated that women who had access to a social worker were much more likely to report improved access to satisfactory treatment. These findings suggest that there is not a tangible lack of healthcare services for unhoused women in the local community, but rather a burden of treatment navigation caused by a dearth of information on how to access care. The interviews suggest that this burden can be reduced with social work interventions and service centers that offer health navigation support. By adapting theories of the "burden of treatment," we argue that additional attention must be paid to overcoming the "burden of treatment navigation." For related reasons, we suggest that increasing the availability of social workers would concretely improve health outcomes for unhoused women.

Quality of life (QoL) is a widely recognized and valuable social outcome measure in drug treatment and rehabilitation services, but the discrepancies in QoL perceptions between service users and providers remain under-explored. In this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with service users (n = 22) and providers (n = 29) to capture their perceptions of QoL and explore the similarities and discrepancies between their views. A thematic analysis and contrast exploration revealed a shared understanding of QoL that extends beyond health to six dimensions and prioritizes empowerment and connection. However, divergent views emerged regarding the priorities of material conditions, emotional well-being, and physical health. Findings underscore the importance of using shared decision-making as a strategy to effectively address these discrepancies and promote a more patient-centered approach in treatment and rehabilitation services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical social workers are essential members of healthcare teams, especially during a pandemic. Their scope of practice includes conducting psychological assessments, coordinating social services, connecting patients to resources that address social determinants of health, discharge planning, and patient advocacy. Social workers' experiences of psychological distress were unique even before the COVID-19 pandemic; their work demands a high amount of emotional investment as they frequently witness others' pain and suffering and navigate various daily challenges and crises. This study explores psychological distress experienced by medical social workers and the coping strategies used by these professionals during the pandemic prior to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Faced with conflicting information from state and federal agencies, social workers dealt with resource shortages, took on additional roles and responsibilities, and contended with regular value conflicts and ethical dilemmas. Our findings indicate that medical social workers are not sufficiently protected or prioritized in their workplaces and that infrastructure to support social workers' emotional wellbeing is lacking. Distinct themes that emerged from the data under the umbrella of psychological distress include feeling unprotected, overburdened, and undervalued. We discuss a need for targeted policy and sustainability-oriented solutions to improve coping and resilience, mitigate psychological distress, and prevent burnout among medical social workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are currently no national data regarding U.S. Primary Care Physicians' (PCPs') suicide screening practices. This study surveyed 302 U.S. PCPs about their current suicide screening practices to identify service gaps and intervention points for social workers. Although one-third of PCPs reported providing screening and safety planning, few were using evidence-based tools. Factors that increased the likelihood of routine screening were belief in the importance of screening (p <.01), time (p <.01), and access to co-located behavioral health (p <.01). Findings support the role of social workers in primary care and suggest areas for training and collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals who cannot afford out of pocket medical expenses may reduce health care use, resulting in poorer health outcomes. To ease the situation, employers turn to financial technology ("fintech") health care credit applications. We examine whether an employer-sponsored credit fintech application (MedPut) helps employees manage medical expenses. Results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and probit regression models reveal MedPut users did worse financially and delayed health care due to cost more often than employees who did not use MedPut. Results may inform social work policy and direct practice perspectives on fin-tech and medical expenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 struck the world violently and cause negative psychological consequences on health professionals. The preparedness of social workers for the pandemic is critical while facing these challenges and pressures. The study aimed to explore what are the roles of demographic, employment, and proximity to Covid-19 in predicting preparedness for the next wave of COVID among social workers in Taiwan. A total of 158 participants were conveniently sampled and multiple regression, univariate analysis, and two-way ANOVA were conducted. The results demonstrated that the demographic and employment variables significantly predicted preparedness, and there were significant differences among demographics on preparedness and an interaction effect between seniority and age. Consequently, middle-aged social workers with junior seniority years may have more difficulties in their preparation for the current situation. The implication of our findings is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing recognition of the salience of eHealth technologies in enhancing health service capacity. Yet social work remains "behind the curve" in progressing digital practices. As the demand for digital health care increases, particularly following COVID-19, it is becoming increasingly urgent to understand how social workers engage with eHealth technologies, and how technological engagement impacts on social work practice. In this scoping review, we sought to examine eHealth use in health social work practice. Our findings suggest that, while social workers recognize the strengths and opportunities to broaden the scope of their practice, they remain concerned that eHealth may not be congruent with the values and approaches of the profession. This review provides a broad overview of health social workers' engagement with eHealth technologies and considers implications for future research that examines the nuanced and complex nature of professional values, risk, and assessment in the digital space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the effectiveness of participation in a mindfulness group for Israeli early career social workers during the COVID-19 period. Eleven participants conducting fieldwork in a mental health rehabilitation center were interviewed. The participants described a variety of benefits from their mindfulness training, in three main areas: (1) Personal: applying mindfulness in their daily life; (2) Family: improved work-life balance and family relationships; and (3) Professional: applying mindfulness in their work with mental health clients. Mental support and self-care tools provided to early-career social workers were perceived by the participants as helping them overcome uncertainty, fatigue, and overwork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a natural occurrence often associated with decline in body functioning and common health conditions. With the emergency of new diseases, vulnerable groups like older adults are prone and more possibly to be infected. In the era of COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, health management of older adults becomes demanding with increasing ill-health, morbidity and mortality. This paper aims to investigate caregivers' lived experiences in health care management of older adults amid and post COVID-19 pandemic for quality of life and wellbeing in Nigeria. With the phenomenological approach in qualitative research, we sourced our data using focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDI) from 21 caregivers purposively selected from three health institutions based on their ownership in Nsukka. Data were analyzed thematically. Results revealed that though care-giving is perceived to be filial, it is no longer effectively provided owing to financial and health status of the care recipient. Other findings indicated that factors predicting responds to preventive measures in older adults' health care include disregard of information, inadequate geriatric knowledge and noncompliance of health information. Suggestions to ease challenges in health care demand of older adults were brought to fore. Recommendations were on aligning geriatric professionals in health institutions and health care financing for all older adults in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life-threatening illness such as cancer may lead to existential distress, fears about dying, and questioning our legacy and impact on those around us. Building on the foundation of meaning-focused interventions in cancer care and the significance of the therapeutic alliance, the paradigm of vicarious resilience can inform oncology social work, serving as a means of growth, resilience, and self-care for clinicians. Vicarious resilience is the strength clinicians may experience through clients' resilience in facing adversity, and the meaning that practitioners can gain from supporting individuals through traumatic situations, namely life-threatening illness. Social workers in the field of oncology are at risk for vicarious traumatization and compassion fatigue, as they walk alongside clients through suffering and loss, while also positioned to experience vicarious resilience and meaning through the resilience displayed by clients. This paper will examine the potential benefits of vicarious resilience in the field, and through enhancing psychoeducation and incorporating it into training and supervision, it can be brought to the fore as a paradigm in cancer care, offering a means to support practitioners. A case study involving a composite client navigating her cancer journey will be shared, illustrating the companionship and vicarious resilience through the oncology social work relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although exhaustion and cynicism are two dimensions of burnout, due to professionalism, they have different influence on the turnover intentions of medical social workers. Using a sample of 405 medical social workers in China, this study found that the influence mechanisms of exhaustion and cynicism on turnover intention are different. Social work educational background has a significant moderation effect on the relationships between exhaustion, cynicism, and turnover intention. A moderation effect of organizational type was also observed, although it was not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports findings from a qualitative study on the triggers of hospital social workers' moral distress at a large southern U.S. health system. Moral distress occurs when ethical conflict cannot be resolved in a way that aligns with an individual's personal and professional values and ethics. Participants indicated that moral distress derives from both individual interactions and the culture and climate of health systems. For example, participants expressed how sources of moral distress derived from client-centered decisions, such as end-of-life care and patient autonomy; interpersonal dynamics, including team or supervisory conflict; structural issues, such as insurance barriers or internal hospital policies; and organizational values, such as perceptions of institutional support and validation. Implications of this research suggest that health systems need to foster positive ethical environments that nurture clinicians' health and mental health through programs that aim to increase moral resilience, promote empowerment, and foster wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research regarding the intersection of social work and integrated care has recently increased. Although research specific to the role and engagement of social workers in integrated care is promising, research regarding attitudes toward social workers on integrated behavioral health (IBH) teams remains scant. This study provides perspective regarding healthcare professionals' attitudes toward the role of social workers on IBH teams. A survey was constructed and distributed to health professionals (n = 104) from medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and social work. Mixed methods were used to evaluate survey findings. Results suggest attitudes toward social workers on IBH teams are generally favorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2020 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was identified in Australia. During the pandemic, as essential workers, hospital-based social workers have been on the frontline. This cross-sectional study examines the resilience of social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, how the pandemic impacted on social work and lessons learnt. Hospital social workers working in three states, namely Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales were invited to participate in an online web-based survey, providing non-identifiable demographic details and information a) relating to their proximity to COVID-19, b) their degree of resilience (CD-RISC-2), c) professional quality of life, d) perceived social support, e) physical health, f) professional and personal growth during the pandemic, and g) impacts of COVID-19 on their practice. Basic descriptive statistics were computed for variables of interest. Within group, comparisons were made using paired t-tests or one-way ANOVAs for continuous variables as appropriate to investigate possible interstate differences. Regression analyses were conducted to determine which factors contribute to resilience. Social workers, during the pandemic, whether working under the constraints of lockdown or not, demonstrated high levels of resilience. These levels were similar across the three states, unaffected by the degree of infection in the community, indicating that as a group, social workers have high innate levels of resilience. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on hospital social workers, the long-term impact of the pandemic on social work practice, and potentially useful lessons learnt for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the world. In Canada, the impact has been worrisome. Canada is a large, sparsely populated country with a system of universal health care that is decided nationally and enacted by each province and territory. There are variations in health care, as well as in the provision of social work, throughout the country. The aim of this survey is to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social workers employed in health care. Participants were recruited for an online survey via social media, professional associations, and social work education programs. Three hundred and seventy-six social workers participated. Analyses were performed to: (1) investigate the changes in workplace conditions indicated by social workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) examine reported levels of distress, social support, quality of professional life, resilience, and posttraumatic growth among respondents during this time; and (3) contextualize these findings by exploring similarities and differences across geographic locations. Many respondents were deemed essential workers. Significant differences across regions were not found. The knowledge generated has important implications for all sectors of the social work profession in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As COVID-19 rapidly overwhelmed the world in 2020, medical social workers have fought against the disease on the front lines as a member of medical teams, but little is known about the impact of the pandemic on their mental health. This study investigated the resilience, perceived social support and professional quality of life of medical social workers in Mainland China under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. An online questionnaire survey was applied to 319 respondents and the results showed that informal support was positively related with compassion satisfaction (r = 0.67, p <.01) and negatively correlated with job burnout (r = −0.51, p <.01) while formal support was positively associated with compassion satisfaction (r = 0.61, p <.01) and negatively associated with job burnout (r = −0.44. p <.01). Resilience was positively correlated with compassion satisfaction (r = 0.56, p <.01) and negatively correlated with job burnout (r = −0.49, p <.01). Nevertheless, neither perceived social support nor resilience was associated with secondary traumatic stress. The regression results further highlighted the role of informal social support on job burnout. Measures should be taken to enhance the professional quality of life for medical social workers during a public health crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various topics within the issue, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on social workers in Australia, posttraumatic growth (PTG), and the preparedness of social workers in Israeli hospitals for the next pandemic.

Hong Kong experienced the SARS pandemic in 2003. Seventeen years later, the Covid-19 pandemic now challenges Hong Kong and the world. This study aims to unveil the impact of the pandemic on health social workers. One hundred and sixty-six health care social workers in Hong Kong were recruited to join a cross-sectional online survey from November 2020 to March 2021. This paper includes the analysis of the demographic information, fear of contamination, resilience, perceived social support and physical health only. Irrespective of the demographic background, the level of fear of contamination, resilience, perceived social support and physical health were similar. The mean scores of the two dimensions of fear of contamination (Harm avoidance: m = 7.49, s.d. = 3.25; Disgust avoidance: m = 7.75, s.d. = 2.90) were higher than those of general public and clinical samples with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. No moderation effects were found in resilience and perceived social support in the relationship of fear of contamination and physical health. Instead, direct effects were shown.The impact of the pandemic on health social workers was universal. Psychoeducational programs to alleviate the fear of contamination and organizational-level interventions to improve workplace social support are highly needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the conditions under which Israeli social workers in hospital settings operated s during the COVID-19 pandemic, and assesses their perceived support (informal and organizational support) and preparedness for the next pandemic. It further assesses correlates for perceived support and associations between perceived support and preparedness. The participants were 163 social workers from four hospitals who completed an on-line survey. The findings revealed that the level of exposure to COVID-19 and fear of contracting COVID-19 were unrelated to perceived informal and organizational support. Age and having children who are minors living at home moderated the relationship between fear of contracting COVID-19 and both types of perceived support. Each type of perceived support was significantly associated with preparedness beyond age, having minors at home, exposure to COVID-19, and fear of contracting COVID-19. Implications for research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has impacted all spheres of life massively. Among the emerging studies on the psychosocial impact of the pandemic, few studies look specifically at how social workers are impacted. To understand this gap, this study surveyed 337 social workers. The findings showed that changes experienced in the workplace were enormous and caused secondary traumatic stress while engendering compassion satisfaction among social workers, but the presence of social support moderated to keep the secondary traumatic stress at bay. Resilience mediated association between social and workplace support and compassion fatigue. Social support seemed to have the largest effect on reducing stress through resilience. Workplace support also helped mitigate burnout. In conclusion, continued social and workplace support will be key to supporting social workers during a pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's Disease is a neurological disease affecting over 10 million people worldwide. Interdisciplinary teams provide integrated care to people with Parkinson's Disease, including care for non-motor symptoms such as anxiety and depression, and many of these teams include social workers. This study sought to learn more about (a) clinical social work utilization across the continuum of care of PWP and their family care partners and (b) how patterns in utilization and service provision have shifted during the pandemic. This mixed method study identifies the breadth of roles performed by social workers in the comprehensive care of people with Parkinson's Disease (PWP). Findings underscore the important roles social workers play in providing comprehensive care for PWP and their families and their contributions to interdisciplinary teams providing holistic, integrated care, particularly during COVID-19 and into the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trauma patients face unique challenges that require coordination by social workers knowledgeable in the intricacies of trauma patient psychosocial support which is often achieved by obtaining ancillary consultations. The impact of employing a designated trauma social worker (DTSW) in the utilization of these consults has not been described. A retrospective review was conducted of trauma patients admitted to an academic, urban Level 1 trauma center. The pre-intervention cohort (n = 272) corresponded to patients admitted before the presence of a DTSW (01/2013 to 06/2013), while the post-intervention cohort (n = 282) corresponded to patients admitted afterward (09/2015 to 01/2016). Data collection included demographics, injury profile, and types of interdisciplinary or therapy consultations. Post-intervention patients were found to be older and admitted with more injuries. Supportive care, physical therapy and occupational therapy consultations were more likely to be obtained in the post-intervention cohort. Hospital length of stay remained unchanged. This study suggests that the implementation of a DTSW significantly facilitates the utilization of interdisciplinary consultations. Length of stay remains unchanged, suggesting that a DTSW helps to coordinate care in a timely manner without increasing the hospital stay. DTSW implementation may be considered in trauma centers where one does not currently exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The musculoskeletal community is increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing mental and social health opportunities and incorporating psychosocial support in outpatient care. This secondary analysis of a longitudinal study evaluating the management of upper extremity conditions in a musculoskeletal integrated practice unit involving 102 adult patients (63% women, mean age 49 ± 13 years), aimed to identify demographic, clinical and psychosocial variables associated with involvement of an immediately available social worker. Additionally, we assess factors associated with patients seeking second opinions and level of self-efficacy. The only factor independently associated with meeting a social worker was greater symptoms of depression. There were no factors associated with presenting for advice from a second specialist. Self-efficacy score below 10 was independently associated with higher BMI, conditions involving the shoulder or upper arm compared to the hand or wrist, and greater symptoms of depression. When a social worker is available in an upper extremity practice, they are most welcomed and helpful for people with notable symptoms of depression, likely because a depression screen was used as a trigger for involvement. Less adaptive response to painful illness may be easier to measure and discuss, with the potential to increase attention to mental and social health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continued provision of essential services is critical to maintaining society's functioning during a crisis. During COVID-19, lockdowns and restrictions designed to preserve the public's health forced an examination of what it means to be an essential worker. Drawing from thematic analyses of focus group data from 55 social workers employed in a large, urban, pediatric, quaternary hospital, this study examines the perspectives of hospital social workers on the meaning of the essential status designation of social work. Findings revealed themes pertaining the substance of social work, the ways in which essential status is carried out, and implications of the designation not only for the future of the profession but also for the populations who receive social work services. The discussion raised important questions about the essential role of social workers in broader health care settings. Our findings suggest that health care systems need to engage in ongoing discussions of how to maximize the efficacy of the social work workforce, both in terms of integration with medical teams and recognition of the important roles social workers play across the hospital system, and facilitate the performance of their essential functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) is an effective early intervention approach for individuals with substance misuse. The purpose of this study was to determine if medical learners are more adept at learning a brief substance use intervention compared to non-medical learners (e.g., social work students). The dissemination of SBIRT training among many helping professions can increase service delivery for substance use problems. Methods: A total of 2,488 participants completed SBIRT training, representing 15 different disciplines and over 20 different institutions. General linear models and paired t-tests were used to investigate the effects of SBIRT training on changes in knowledge and attitude of alcohol and drug use and satisfaction. Results: There were no statistical differences in the change of satisfaction, knowledge, and attitude between medical and non-medical discipline participants. Both medical and non-medical participants had greater improvement in attitude and knowledge scores post-training. Similar improvements in attitude, knowledge, and satisfaction were observed in all the health-care discipline participants. Discussion: SBIRT skills may be transferable to disciplines including non-prescribing professionals (e.g., social work, nursing, physical therapy, rehabilitation science, and pharmacy). In an effort to expand treatment, health-care training institutions adopt SBIRT as a core competency for professional practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the patient characteristics and outcomes in relation to guardianship in a large-scale sub-acute Australian hospital. Fifteen patients who appointed a guardian at The Kingston Center, Monash Health, participated through exploratory data collection and analysis utilizing a de-identifiable template. The findings revealed both diverse and complex patient characteristics, and ethical dilemmas in patient outcomes for social workers. Patient outcomes post-guardianship appointment and discharge highlighted a negative impact from long length of stay and the iatrogenic impact on patient wellbeing in hospital. The study reflected a disparity between patients' discharge goals and their outcomes indicating significant ethical dilemmas and complexities for social workers in ensuring rights to autonomy and responsibility for safety are balanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many rural regions lack the basic fundamentals in healthcare for Opioid Use Disorder. We present a case of a dual-diagnosed, impoverished, adult female court-ordered to inpatient treatment in rural Kentucky. A care coordinator linked her to regional and community resources to address her health, environmental, and psychosocial needs, as well as provided needed transportation, coaching, and emotional support. As a result, she overcame the substantial barriers that each component of the care continuum presents in severely underserved areas. This case study highlights the critical role care coordination plays in reentry, its differences from urban areas, and its alignment with social work's core values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the COVID-19 global pandemic continues, more than 40 states have reported increases in opioid-related mortality. The issue of service access and delivery poses a major concern for those struggling with mental illness and substance use disorders in the United States. To ensure the continuity of health care during the pandemic and the co-occurring opioid crisis, the United States continues to adapt its healthcare delivery strategies, which include the introduction of telehealth. Telehealth is a relatively new concept and requires rapid systems changes as well as adjustments from both service providers and recipients. The proper adaptation to the new service delivery method could result in process optimization and improved outcomes for those struggling with opioid dependency. This study aims to bring attention to the opioid crisis that may be overlooked in light of the global pandemic and encourage social workers and other mental health professionals to utilize modern technological advancements to improve service delivery to their clients. This paper offers a literature review with four themes: (1) a retrospect on pain and opioids, (2) current telehealth models and practical strategies, (3) social work roles and functions in telehealth care, and (4) next steps and implications of telehealth for social work as a much-needed health-care delivery tool at the clinical and community social work practice level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although literature documents the need for hospital social workers, nurses, and medical residents to engage in patient advocacy, little information exists about what predicts the extent they do so. This study aims to identify predictors of health professionals' patient advocacy engagement with respect to a broad range of patients' problems. A cross-sectional research design was employed with a sample of 94 social workers, 97 nurses, and 104 medical residents recruited from eight hospitals in Los Angeles. Bivariate correlations explored whether seven scales (Patient Advocacy Eagerness, Ethical Commitment, Skills, Tangible Support, Organizational Receptivity, Belief Other Professionals Engage, and Belief the Hospital Empowers Patients) were associated with patient advocacy engagement, measured by the validated Patient Advocacy Engagement Scale. Regression analysis examined whether these scales, when controlling for sociodemographic and setting variables, predicted patient advocacy engagement. While all seven predictor scales were significantly associated with patient advocacy engagement in correlational analyses, only Eagerness, Skills, and Belief the Hospital Empowers Patients predicted patient advocacy engagement in regression analyses. Additionally, younger professionals engaged in higher levels of patient advocacy than older professionals, and social workers engaged in greater patient advocacy than nurses. Limitations and the utility of these findings for acute-care hospitals are discussed.

A social worker coordinated medical care for children in foster care in a foster care medical home (FCMH) and tracked care coordination (CC) activities using a modified Care Coordination Measurement Tool© (mCCMT). Of the 60 subjects, most were younger than 5 years, and 60% had a behavioral and/or medical condition. Primary CC activities included behavioral support for families and health system navigation. The CC prevented 11 emergency department (ED) visits, 9 placement disruptions, and 42 patient privacy violations. Children assigned to a FCMH have diverse CC needs and benefit from social workers' specialized skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoice was employed as a clinical intervention to engage siblings of children with cancer, provide opportunity for sibling support, and elicit information about their lived experiences. Sibling support groups have been effective, however, none have utilized this intervention. Four teenagers who had a sibling diagnosed with cancer participated in a seven-week intervention group. Themes were identified to inform future clinical practice. Four main themes included: (i) support, (ii) changes, (iii) feelings, and (iv) Photovoice group experience. Photovoice, used as a clinical intervention, elicited valuable information and generated fruitful conversations, enabling siblings to relate to and learn from one another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults are vulnerable to risks associated with medications. This study explores the roles of Social Workers in facilitating medication safety for older adults. Eight social workers from federally qualified health centers participated in a case-based and interactive medication safety curriculum. They participated in an in-depth, semi-structured interview to explore their roles and strategies in assisting older adults and caregivers with medication management. Findings were transcribed and analyzed. Six themes characterizing social workers' roles in medication management were identified: a) Referral: matching patients and medication-related resources within the health-care system and community; b) Communication: connecting providers, patients, caregivers, and support system; c) Access to medicine: addressing unique needs of each patient to foster their ability to obtain their medicines; d) Social Determinants of Health: investigating the social challenges of each patient and facilitating specific medication management approaches to meet identified needs; e) Engagement: engaging patients in co-developing a treatment plan; f) Caregiver Support: preparing caregivers to assist in medication management. Social workers are trained and well positioned to provide a multi-faceted approach to improve medication management for older adults. Their unique perspectives and skills are important in addressing the complex challenges of medication management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hospital at Home (HaH) provides acute, hospital-level care at home and post-discharge follow-up. Through a review of 293 HaH admissions conducted by an urban, multidisciplinary HaH program from 2014 to 2017, we find that the social worker is involved in 71% of admissions and plays a crucial role in pre-emergency department discharge home care and safety screening, home intake, follow-up support, and transition of care to primary care providers and community-based services. We describe the social work activities involved in this model of care and present composite case studies for further illustration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have documented diminishing staff supervision in health care settings, while noting the complexity and dynamic nature of health care systems. A secondary data analysis of a survey of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (N=666) explored the contemporary receipt of different types of supervision in frontline health care. Most social worker participants were involved in supervision, receiving administrative and supportive supervision. Only 52% engaged in clinical supervision, even though most spent over 50% of work time with clients with complex needs. Factors related to the receipt of clinical supervision included setting, experience, gender, and availability of clinical practice leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While social workers have the capacity and scope of practice to make a significant contribution to pain management, little is understood about how they enact these roles. The initial goal of this scoping review was to examine the role of social work in pain management specifically in bleeding disorder care. Due to lack of published data on this topic, the review goal was broadened to chronic disease. Two electronic databases were searched providing a total of 13 published articles meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Instrumental services, clinical services, and assessments were identified as primary roles of social workers, while advocacy, policy development, education, and skill development require further exploration in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]