The DNA of Social Work as a Partner in Primary Health Care

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.

Multisectoral actions in primary health care: A realist synthesis of scoping review

“…The intersectoral coordination and functional sectoral institutional mechanisms can potentially reduce social and health-related inequalities in health and nutrition [ 32 , 37 , 48 , 53 , 59 ]. Intersectoral collaboration can contribute to design resilient health systems through advocacy, sectoral integration, and mobilisation of multisector stakeholders [ 25 , 34 , 48 ].…”

“…Such non-health sector policy decisions influence on the SDoH, while the health sector expects inputs from this sector with shared responsibility for health improvement [ 14 , 48 ]. Improving health outcomes need to address upstream determinants of health (e.g., poverty, income), which require the activities of the health sector and sectors that influence health (e.g., education, housing, water and sanitation, labor, public works, transportation, agriculture, and social justice-based approach) [ 32 , 37 , 42 , 47 , 51 , 53 , 54 ].…”

“…Only health system efforts cannot address health sector problems as they are socially constructed and hierarchically layered organisational systems [ 41 ]. Social participation, MSAs between public health and other sectors, and awareness of the social justice-based approach create enabling environments and enhance access to services targeting marginalised populations [ 25 , 26 , 32 , 37 , 51 , 53 ]. Partnerships with private sector and digital technology could support creating an enabling environment to address other sectors’ collateral impacts on the health sector.…”

“…Social workers improved PHC services using their professional competencies, cooperation and communication with stakeholders, as social workers had broad perspectives and integration into PHC [ 33 , 37 ]. Health workers from indigenous communities also increased awareness of pregnancy and childbirth health and the provision of health services among disadvantaged populations [ 23 , 39 ].…”

“…However, challenges of MSAs of community-based organisation and committees were poor participation, duplication, lack of clarity of responsibilities, limited time and financial support, limited collaboration with the local government, lack of inclusion of marginalised groups, unclear process of involvement and conflict of interests, and variable competence of committee members [ 29 , 40 ]. Implementing MSAs locally was hindered by inadequate community participation and coordination, poor communication and articulation among sectors for integrated planning, and individualised social interventions [ 22 , 37 , 53 ].…”