Abstract
Dramatic changes in the health system due to national health reform are raising important questions regarding the educational preparation of social workers for the new health arena. While dual-degree programs in public health and social work can be an important response to what is needed educationally, little is known about them. The National MSW/MPH Programs Study surveyed MSW/MPH program administrators to better understand the prevalence, models, structure, and challenges of these dual-degree programs. Forty-two programs were identified, and 97.6% of those contacted participated (n=41). Findings indicate that MSW/MPH programs are popular, increasing, geographically dispersed, and drawing talented students interested in trans-disciplinary public health social work practice. Challenges for these programs include the need for greater institutional support, particularly funding, and a general lack of best practices for MSW/MPH education. While findings from this study suggest graduates appear especially well-prepared for leadership and practice in the new health environment, additional research is needed to assess their particular contributions and career trajectories.
Highlights
Dramatic changes in the health system due to national health reform are raising important questions regarding the educational preparation of social workers for the new health arena
Ruth is Clinical Professor and Director of the MSW/MPH Program, Boston University School of Social Work; Ashley Clement is Research Associate at Boston University School of Social Work; Jamie Wyatt Marshall is Project Director for the Group for Public Health Social Work based at Boston University of Social Work, in Boston, MA; Madi Wachman is Program Manager at Boston University Center for Innovation in Social Work & Health, in Boston, MA; Esther E
Our data helps to answer questions related to one aspect of social work education in health: the growth and prevalence of MSW/MPH programs
Summary
Dramatic changes in the health system due to national health reform are raising important questions regarding the educational preparation of social workers for the new health arena. Findings indicate that MSW/MPH programs are popular, increasing, geographically dispersed, and drawing talented students interested in trans-disciplinary public health social work practice Challenges for these programs include the need for greater institutional support, funding, and a general lack of best practices for MSW/MPH education. The ACA’s broad aims of increasing access to care, bettering patient care outcomes, controlling costs, and improving population health are expanding social work opportunities in navigation and care coordination This is seen especially in the integration of behavioral health and primary care and in patient-centered health homes (Allen, 2012; Bachman, 2011; Darnell, 2013; Golden, 2011; Spitzer & Davidson, 2013). Given the stakes and the rapid pace of change, scholars have argued that preparing the generation of social workers requires a critical assessment of social work education for health practice (Andrews et al, 2013; Reisch, 2012; Spitzer & Davidson, 2013)
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