Non-Statutory Mental Health Social Work in Primary Care: A Chance for Renewal?

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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“…) and material conditions (Firth et al . ) are also explored. One investigates effect on risk behaviour (Safren et al .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Health benefits of primary care social work for adults with complex health and social needs: a systematic review

McGregor

Mercer

Harris

2016

Health Soc Care Community

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“…The literature suggests that social workers in primary care use a wide variety of interventions in their work (Firth et al 2004), something which is again satisfying for the workers. In the current study, it was found that the social workers engaged in a range of individual work (including both practical and therapeutic), group work and community work.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, a study by Firth et al (2004) revealed the diversity of work undertaken by social workers. It was found that more social work time was spent on direct work (i.e.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experiences of Social Workers in Primary Care in Ireland

Raghallaigh

Allen

Cunniffe

et al. 2013

Social Work in Health Care

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“…Social work is gaining ground in the delivery of primary health care in both the United States and the United Kingdom (Firth, Dyer, Marsden, Savage, & Mohamad, 2004;McLeod, 2002;Sommers, Marton, Barbaccia, & Randolph, 2000;Zayas & Dyche, 1992). Moreover, there is empirical evidence that collaborative teams in primary care including social workers improve patient outcomes (Firth et al, 2004;Sommers et al, 2000). Social workers in primary care settings should undergo cultural diversity training to acquire the needed expertise.…”

Section: Implications For the Allied Health Professionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ethnic/Racial Differences in Depression among U.S. Primary Care Patients: Cultural Considerations in Screening and Detection

Noël

Whaley

2012

Journal of Ethnic And Cultural Diversity in Social Work

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Screening and detection are essential building blocks for prevention and early treatment of depression. Despite their critical role in early identification and treatment, primary care physicians fail to recognize depression in about half of their patients. Because depressed patients of color tend to seek treatment in primary care settings, the need for greater attention to, and understanding of, ethnic and racial disparities in general practitioners' ability to detect cases of depression is compelling. The purpose of this article is to discuss the screening and detection of depression among patients from different U.S. ethnic/racial and cultural groups. Specifically, the objective is to identify withinand between-culture factors that may impact on symptom presentation for African-Americans, Asians, Hispanic/Latinos, and Native Americans, and subsequently on the diagnosis of depression in primary care settings. Implications for the role of allied health professionals, especially social workers, in enhancing the cultural competence of primary care doctors are discussed.

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Non-Statutory Mental Health Social Work in Primary Care: A Chance for Renewal?

Cited by 11 publications

References 24 publications

Health benefits of primary care social work for adults with complex health and social needs: a systematic review

Health benefits of primary care social work for adults with complex health and social needs: a systematic review

Experiences of Social Workers in Primary Care in Ireland

Ethnic/Racial Differences in Depression among U.S. Primary Care Patients: Cultural Considerations in Screening and Detection

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