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.
This cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted to evaluate the coping strategies of parents of children with cystic fibrosis. The research sample is the parents (n: 112) who presented to Thoracic Medicine Department at Hacettepe University Pediatric Hospital between 3 April 2021 - 28 May 2021 and volunteered to participate in the study. Sociodemographic Data Form and Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (COPE Inventory) were used in the collection of data. The study examined coping strategies according to children's characteristics such as age, sex, education, and parents' independent variables such as employment status, income status, number of individuals and children in the family, communication with other families, social and financial support. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Research findings show that religious coping was the most frequently preferred coping strategy, and behavioral disengagement was the least commonly used coping strategy. Emotion-Focused Coping Strategies were also commonly used. Social work interventions and strategies play an important role in helping parents to adopt positive coping strategies and improve their skills.
This cross-sectional study investigated the effect of caregivers' care (n = 100) burden and psychological resilience on the psychosocial adjustment of patients (n = 100) with open heart surgery. Patients had poor psychosocial adjustment. Caregivers who felt incompetent in providing care had a higher care burden and a lower psychological resilience than those who did not. In addition, patients whose caregivers had higher resilience and lower burden of care had better psychosocial adjustment. The results of this study compellingly demonstrate the importance and necessity of supportive and preventive clinical social work interventions to enhance patients' adaptation to a new lifestyle and compliance with treatment during the cardiac rehabilitation process, and reduce the burden on caregivers.
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.
This study explores the perceived effects of a home-based end-of-life social care program in palliative care in Spain, from the perspective of caregivers. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 75 caregivers from the INTecum project. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to recruit the study participants. The analytical process followed a thematic analysis. Caregivers expressed several factors that were influential in reducing stress and anxiety. Knowing that they can count on a case manager in a situation of need was highlighted as very positive. Another important factor that helped to create a positive sense of security was the speed of the project in offering its services. One of the problems that arose was the lack of support in situations where a transition between home and hospital care was required. Aspects such as listening and kindness, and affection, are highlighted in a very positive way. In addition to the final desires, caregivers also recognized that it was important for professionals to take their relative's wishes into account when making decisions. Incorporating a psychosocial component in palliative care for both patients and family caregivers is recognized and such actions are recommended, as well the strengthening of social and health care coordination.
This study explored social work students' attitudes toward healthcare responsibilities after the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Surveying n = 184 third and fourth-year Social Work students revealed a generally negative attitude toward working in healthcare. Factors such as age, marital status, academic level, personal or familial virus infection history, COVID-19 vaccination status, presence of chronic illness, or experiencing a COVID-19-related death did not significantly influence these attitudes. The challenges faced in healthcare during the pandemic, including psychological and physiological impacts, underscore the importance of equipping Social Work students with the necessary knowledge and skills for future healthcare roles. This research suggests that addressing students' concerns and competencies in Social Work curricula may positively influence their future healthcare field engagement.
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.
We plotted trends in social work telehealth use among Veterans in a U.S. national social work staffing program and examined the relationship between geographic factors (rurality and neighborhood disadvantage) and telehealth use (audio and video) using linear probability models. Social work telehealth use increased among Veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were no geographic differences in telephone telehealth use. Video telehealth use was less common among Veterans in isolated rural areas and among Veterans in highly disadvantaged areas. Outreach efforts can address barriers that Veterans who live in rural and disadvantaged areas may experience in using video telehealth.