Clinical Social Work and Family Medicine: A Partnership in Community Service

Lesser, Joan Granucci

doi:10.1093/hsw/25.2.119

Cited by 19 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…Specific attributes noted include the holistic, ecological views of, and approaches to, health (Brochstein, Adams, Tristan, & Cheney, 1979;Goldberg, Neill, Speak, & Faulkner, 1968;Netting & Williams, 1996;Rock & Cooper, 2000), a commitment to indigenous models of practice (Brochstein et al, 1979) and extensive community networks (Backett, Maybin, & Dudgeon, 1957;Dongray, 1958;Goldberg et al, 1968;Lesser, 2000).…”

Section: Original Articlementioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the international arena, many factors have led to the integration of social workers within PHCPs such as enhanced communication and cooperation between social workers and medical staff (Lesser, 2000) and the strategic provision of timely, early, preventive social care without the need to refer to specialised services (Dongray, 1958;Goldberg et al, 1968;Laden, Oehlers, Waddell, & Miller, 1983;Wilson & Setturlund, 1987). Models of social work in PHC have been shown to ease access for populations such as ethnic minorities and people from a lower socio-economic background, who otherwise may experience barriers to health services (Lesser, 2000;Lymbery & Millward, 2002;Rizzo & Mizrahi, 2008).…”

Section: Original Article Qualitative Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Models of social work in PHC have been shown to ease access for populations such as ethnic minorities and people from a lower socio-economic background, who otherwise may experience barriers to health services (Lesser, 2000;Lymbery & Millward, 2002;Rizzo & Mizrahi, 2008). Benefits for people with no experience of, or plans to, access an external social service agency, but who indicated their interest in getting or accepting an offer of support by a PCHP social worker, were also reported (Bikson, McGuire, Blue-Howells, & Seldin-Sommer, 2009;Goldberg et al, 1968).…”

Section: Original Article Qualitative Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Primary health care social work in Aotearoa New Zealand: An exploratory investigation

Dobl¹,

Beddoe

Huggard

2017

ANZSWJ

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INTRODUCTION:The social work profession has a long-standing history of contributing to health care in Aotearoa New Zealand. Traditionally, hospitals have been the stronghold for the profession. However, both international and national evidence demonstrates that social workers have also been integrated in primary health care practices (PHCPs). Primary health care (PHC) provides care in the community and is recognised for its potential to achieve health equity across all population groups. This article reports on a small, qualitative research project which explored the perceptions of key stakeholders about social work integration into PHC and the experiences gained by social workers working within PHCPs regarding their contributions to the achievement of national aspirations for PHC. METHODS:Semi-structured, one-to-one interviews with 18 participants representing three groups (social workers, other PHC professionals and key informants) were undertaken in 2012. The interviews took place in various locations in Aotearoa New Zealand. A general inductive approach was used to identify key themes. FINDINGS:Three key themes were identified from the data: these are issues of context, namely social work professional factors, organisational factors in PHC and lastly, wider factors in the health care system. The integrated social workers enhanced the access of populations to coordinated care, increased engagement with communities, and strengthened the workforce, among other things. These unique contributions towards the PHC vision were well recognised by all groups, with participants calling for the establishment of integrated social work positions on a larger scale. CONCLUSION:The study evidences the successful integration of social workers into PHC practices in Aotearoa New Zealand. This viable model should be of special interest for key stakeholders regarding the design of local, holistic, PHC services which serve populations most affected by health and social inequalities. Importantly, "health for all", as anticipated by the PHC vision needs long-term and real commitment especially by financial decision-makers.

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Section: Original Articlementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Original Article Qualitative Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Original Article Qualitative Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Primary health care social work in Aotearoa New Zealand: An exploratory investigation

Dobl¹,

Beddoe

Huggard

2017

ANZSWJ

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“…Perhaps their absence in this setting reinforces the perception by providers and patients alike that social workers are ill equipped to address complex and holistic problems such as somatization (Lesser, 2000). Social workers are often relegated to the tasks of discharge planning rather than looked upon as a formidable discipline with mental health expertise and equal credibility with the medical provider (Cowles, & Lefcowitz, 1995).…”

Section: Importance For Social Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Somatization and Engagement in Mental Health Treatment

Chianello

2000

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Somatization, the presentation of physical symptoms without an identifiable cause, is among the most common problems in primary medical care. Treatment approaches are typically offered within the medical consultation interview once the medical provider distinguishes between physical and emotional etiology. This dualistic strategy is especially troublesome for patients whose physical complaints cannot be validated and who are recommended for only mental health therapy. The aim of this study was to examine how medical practitioners can instead motivate patients to consider both physical and emotional treatment. An analogue intervention consisting of an enhanced consultation interview was compared to a care as usual consultation interview on the key outcome of motivation to engage in mental health treatment. A total of 129 participants with medically unexplained symptoms were randomly assigned to these two conditions. Motivation to engage in mental health treatment was evaluated with the FMP Questionnaire, Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire, and the newly developed Motivation to Engage in Therapy questionnaire (MET). Results of ANCOVA revealed significant differences between the two analogue consultation interviews on 3 out of 5 outcome measures. The largest effect was found for the MET followed by the credibility and expectancy subscales (1.6, .9, and .8). This finding suggests that a particular type of discourse between medical provider and patient can lead to increased motivation for holistic care treatment for those with somatization.ii Acknowledgments

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“…[8][9][10] Positive outcomes have been reported as a result of social work involvement in PHC practices, such as enhanced communication 11 and easier access for ethnic minorities and people of low socioeconomic status. [11][12][13] Further, people who experienced psychosocial issues and did not access an external social service agency indicated their interest in getting or accepting an offer of integrated social work support. 14,15 One study identified terrorism and other catastrophes (such as natural disasters) as appropriate psychosocial issues to be addressed by social workers based within PHC practices.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A hidden jewel: social work in primary health care practice in Aotearoa New Zealand

Dobl¹,

Huggard²,

Beddoe³

2015

J Prim Health Care

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INTRODUCTION: The New Zealand (NZ) Ministry of Health?s Primary Health Care Strategy (2001) has an overall vision of better health for all and the reduction of health inequalities between different population groups. This goal can be achieved by comprehensive, integrated primary health care (PHC) service delivery. One useful approach is to place social workers within PHC practices. This study aimed to explore the perceptions about, and the experiences gained by, such integrated social workers regarding their contributions towards the PHC vision. METHODS: This qualitative study focused on three participant groups, namely social workers, PHC professionals and key informants. Overall, 18 one-to-one, semi-structured interviews were undertaken in various locations in NZ. Key themes were identified via a general inductive approach. FINDINGS: Three key themes emerged from the data: wider factors, organisational factors and social work factors. The last theme encompassed the social workers? professional understanding, knowledge and approaches. The organisational factors (a community needs focus and provision of a supportive work environment) and the wider factors identified (funding and issues experienced by communities) had variable impact on these social work positions. CONCLUSION: Participants viewed social workers as facilitating appropriate access to and engagement by people with services; enhancing ongoing, coordinated, safe service provision; and contributing to staff development. The potential of the social work profession within PHC practices was well recognised by non-social worker participants. This study provides initial insights into the unique contributions made by social workers towards achieving NZ Ministry of Health?s PHC vision. KEYWORDS: General practice; primary health care; social work

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Clinical Social Work and Family Medicine: A Partnership in Community Service

Cited by 19 publications

References 20 publications

Primary health care social work in Aotearoa New Zealand: An exploratory investigation

Primary health care social work in Aotearoa New Zealand: An exploratory investigation

Somatization and Engagement in Mental Health Treatment

A hidden jewel: social work in primary health care practice in Aotearoa New Zealand

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