Social Work in Health Care 

About: Social Work in Health Care is an academic journal published by Taylor & Francis. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Social work & Health care. It has an ISSN identifier of 0098-1389. Over the lifetime, 1972 publications have been published receiving 34481 citations.

Goodness of fit: social work education and practice in health care.

Abstract: This study addresses the fit between social work education and practice in health care. A random sample of NASW members identifying with health care (N = 179) responded to a mail survey about the utility of core knowledge and roles that we had identified by reviewing seven commonly used health care social work texts. Quantitative data revealed knowledge and roles most frequently used in health care settings as well as differences in roles used dependent upon department name; and different professionals supervising social workers. Qualitative data from four open-ended questions provided suggestions for what knowledge and skills should be taught in social work programs, the best forums/methods for teaching this content, and topics for continuing education. Findings are discussed in relation to six key areas of the peer-reviewed literature: vulnerable populations/diversity, ethical dilemmas, interdisciplinary collaboration, mental health, managed care/accountability, and advocacy. Implications for social work practice, education, and research are discussed.

Social work in health care: needs, challenges and implications for structuring practice.

Abstract: A structured multivariate practice model is proposed for improving social workers' capabilities to effectively satisfy patients' psychosocial needs. The model bases practice activities on an explicit theoretical framework. Using this approach may enhance the professional authority social work needs but which the biomedical framework of existing health care delivery systems frequently threatens: to autonomously make informed decisions to meet the psychosocial needs of populations at risk. The approach can also contribute to the development of an indigenous professional body of knowledge.

Practice-based research:changing the professional culture and language of social work.

Abstract: Practice-based evaluation integrates research skills and techniques into the clinical process in order to correlate clinical interventions with treatment outcomes. Although most clinicians recognize the importance of some form of practice evaluation, barriers including lack of time, resources, expertise, and organizational support may deter such evaluation efforts. However, there are numerous advantages for clinicians and agencies to develop a culture that values and integrates practice evaluation into its daily work-life; these include opportunities for teamwork, collaboration, mentoring, and innovation. This paper defines practice evaluation research, identifies strategies for its implementation, and describes a framework for creating a “research friendly” culture. It further describes the implementation of such an innovative program in both a hospital and a mental health agency setting.

Social support, social networks, social cohesion and health.

Abstract: (2000). Social Support, Social Networks, Social Cohesion and Health. Social Work in Health Care: Vol. 31, No. 2, pp. 3-14.

The relationship of self-efficacy appraisals to subsequent health related outcomes: a meta-analysis.

Abstract: During the 1980's social cognitive theory has evolved as an explanation of human behavior. One of this theory's component constructs, self-efficacy, has received increasing attention as an antecedent to health related outcomes. The results of a meta-analysis examining studies which employed the construct of self-efficacy as a predictor of health related outcomes is presented. In the literature examined, subject ratings of self-efficacy were found to consistently predict subsequent health related outcomes.