Work Practice Research Articles

Social work practice and outcomes in rehabilitation: a scoping review.

Social work is a long-established profession in health care and rehabilitation. Reviewing the evidence on effects of social work interventions shows inconsistencies, with several studies indicating positive, negative, or no significant effect at all. Against this background, the purpose of this paper is to provide an international overview of the research on social work practice in rehabilitation. Two research questions about the activities performed by social workers in rehabilitation settings and the reported outcomes to evaluate social work interventions were guiding the analysis. A scoping review was conducted in order to identify these activities and reported outcomes. The literature search was carried out in two databases (PubMed, SocINDEX). Additionally, the authors searched manually for literature in rehabilitation science and social work journals. Inclusion criteria encompassed the involvement of social workers and a description of their activities. The context in which social work's practice had to take place was a rehabilitation setting. A total of 2,681 records could be identified by searching the databases, journals, proceedings and reference lists. 66 sources met the predefined inclusion criteria. A majority of the identified activities that social workers perform are case related. Topics that may occur in these case encounters are the social environment of the patient, financial/social security, work-related issues and others. Of particular note are activities such as assessment, counseling and education. When applying the ICF framework, the outcomes are distributed across almost all components with an emphasis on Participation. This review demonstrates that social work has a vital role in the interprofessional rehabilitation team on an international level. However, there is still a need for more research about the effectiveness of social work interventions. We identified internationally common social work core activities/issues and derived a proposal for specific outcomes for future evaluation research.

Challenging charitable oppression: Social working in supportive housing

Abstract This article provides an autoethnographic analysis of my experiences of administrating and supporting transitional housing programs in Canada. Using anti-colonial, critical race feminist, critical disability studies, and mad studies framings, the article aims to highlight the sharp contrast between social work values and social care practice in housing work. I direct my gaze as a researcher toward myself as a social worker, exploring my experience social working in practice. A creative non-fiction approach to storytelling is used based directly on my experiences social working in supportive housing. These creative non-fiction pieces were analysed to draw out relevant themes. Themes include the discourse of dangerousness, challenging charitable oppression, and reproducing colonial carceral structures. The narratives are followed by analyses which demonstrate harms perpetuated in the neoliberalist social care landscape in Canada. My analysis is based on anti-colonial, critical race feminist, critical disability studies, and mad studies framings. Challenges discussed include interdisciplinary social care practice with those experiencing significant barriers to housing and the ethical implications of working under a charitable organization, along with suggestions for countering dominant ableist, sanist, and Eurocentric practice.

Retraction notice: Impact of high-performance work practices in human resource management of health dispensaries in Qassim Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, towards organizational resilience and productivity

Retraction notice: Impact of high-performance work practices in human resource management of health dispensaries in Qassim Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, towards organizational resilience and productivity

Social Work and Psychoeducational Markers Regarding University Education for Students with Disabilities

The main purpose of this article is to theoretically present a perspective for social work and the field of education regarding psychoeducation, as a way to ensure an inclusive approach to quality education in university studies for disabled students. The approach of the research topic is a theoretical one, based on the fact that psychoeducation is a new method of psychosocial intervention; its role is to support various categories of beneficiaries, aiding medical professionals, psychotherapists and social workers. The discussions part of our research concentrate on the fact that psychoeducation focuses on the educational methods that can be used to facilitate the acquisition of information and skills by a person or their relatives, when there are incidents of various psycho-cognitive or behavioral illnesses that raise medical, social, psychological difficulties for the integration of the person in a family, community, inter and intra-personal level, with the aim of medically and socially rehabilitate the beneficiary in all aspects of their existence. Psychoeducation involves a series of direct interventions, which are focused on the education of the participants and on the support and development of their adaptation skills to the social context in which they live. The conclusions chapter emphasizes on the issue that psychoeducation has become a common technique in social work practice since the 1970s, as it involves educating participants about the significant challenges of the client's illness, helping them develop their social skills, personal resources, and ability to manage existing or new challenges they face.

Artificial intelligence and the future(s) of archival theory and practice

This paper reproduces the text of the third Konarski Lecture, which was presented to an audience in Warsaw on 23 October 2024. It offers a survey of recent developments in artificial intelligence and considers how they relate to archival practices and concepts. It asks what changes they can be expected to bring to the creation, maintenance, preservation, and use of records and archives, and how they can be expected to affect the daily working practices of record creators, archivists, and users of archival services. It also considers whether the growth of artificial intelligence might have implications for our theoretical understandings of archives.

School Social Workers' Responses to Racial Injustice During COVID-19: A Need for Anti-Racist Practice in K-12 Schools

ABSTRACT This qualitative study examines how school social workers (SSWers) responded to the U.S. racial injustices highlighted by the media during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. SSWers were interviewed during what some scholars dubbed a “moment of reckoning and crisis” following the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent nationwide demonstrations for justice that aimed to challenge racialized police violence (Villarreal Sosa 2022, p. 67). Seventeen SSWers in K–12 public schools from various school districts across three states (Minnesota, Colorado, and Nevada) completed two key informant interviews related to their experiences during the spring and fall semesters of 2020. A constructivist grounded theory approach, including three coding cycles, was used to analyze participant narratives. A substantive theory for understanding SSWers’ responses (or lack of responses) to racial injustices during this period emerged. The findings provide an initial understanding of how SSWers’ responded to racial injustice during this moment of crisis and some of the factors that impacted their responses. The most common responses to racial injustice during this moment of crisis included: 1) engaging in conversations about race and racism and 2) participating in learning opportunities about race, racism, and racial justice. Our theory highlights how (lack of) structural support influenced SSWers’ responses. Implications for school social work (SSW) practice, curriculum, and research are discussed.

The contested politics of the atmospheric commons: a case study of a mothers’ group fighting particulate matter in South Korea

ABSTRACT This study contends that the politics of the commons framework is essential for identifying inherent political dynamics within atmospheric commons. It highlights boundary work and meaning-making practices as key components of commons politics and ultimately shapes the approach to management. To support this argument, the study presents a case of a South Korean social movement led by a mothers’ group, Call for Response to Particulate Matter. By engaging in boundary work and meaning-making practices to protect children’s health, the group successfully influenced national discourse and collaborated with the government. While this resulted in changes to Korean laws and policies related to PM pollution, the study reveals limitations that prevented the group’s scope and meaning from extending to broader origins of air pollution. Beyond commons management, attention to commons politics raises important questions about who advocates for the commons, who delineates boundaries, and the meanings attributed. Commons management is shaped by these boundaries and meanings, potentially excluding elements outside established boundaries that could aid broader social change or lifestyle adjustments.

“A Study to Assess the Practice Regarding Selected Aspects of Barrier Nursing among Clinical Nursing Students at ERA's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow”

: A study to assess the practice regarding selected aspects of barrier nursing among clinical nursing students at selected areas of ERA’s Lucknow Medical and College Hospital, Lucknow. Quantitative research approach with Discriptive research design was used on 80 clinical nursing students were included in the study, each students were given informative programme on barrier nursing. The socio-demographic data was collected. The practice was assessed by self structured checklist. Discriptive statics and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: The finding related to the practice regarding selected aspects of barrier nursing. There are significant exists in term of practice at p value>0.05. According to practice 28.75% initial stage of skill and 71.75% are full fleshed skill. The data shows there is significant with demographic variables Academic performance, Duration of practice and Area of work and not significant with demographic variable Qualification. The following conclusions were made on the basis of the finding of the study: The clinical nursing students are having full fleshed skill regarding barrier nursing. There was significant association existing in clinical nursing students at p value>0.05. according to practice 28.75% initial stage of skill and 71.75% are full fleshed skill, regarding barrier nursing .The future study should enhance and promote the practice regarding barrier Nursing among clinical nursing students worldwid

The Introduction of Social Robots into the Social Work Practice with Older Adults: a Challenge for the Education of University Students in the Field of Gerontechnology

The Introduction of Social Robots into the Social Work Practice with Older Adults: a Challenge for the Education of University Students in the Field of Gerontechnology

Imposter Syndrome in Social Work Practice: Clinical Considerations and Implications

Imposter Syndrome in Social Work Practice: Clinical Considerations and Implications

Consequences of forced conjunction: Social work’s struggles for independence from sociology in mainland China

This article critically reviews the relationship between social work and sociology in mainland China, focusing on the reconstruction period from 1988 to the present. The forced conjunction of social work and sociology, initiated by governments and sociologists, has created significant barriers for social work education, research, and practice. Given the proliferation of the field of social work in mainland China, and sociology’s substantial influence on social work, this article emphasizes the crucialness of discipline autonomy of social work and sheds lights on potential solutions including strengthening social work practices at multiple levels and making efforts in promoting social work science.

A cross-sectional evaluation of knowledge and attitudes of medical interns regarding social service practices in healthcare institutions

Abstract Interprofessional collaboration is essential for holistic healthcare, yet social work remains under-integrated in medical curricula, particularly in Türkiye. Neoliberal policies have weakened community-based services, increasing the need to address gaps in medical education regarding social work’s role in addressing social determinants of health. This is especially critical given Türkiye’s demographic shifts, such as an aging population and rising social inequalities. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of intern doctors at a university in Izmir, Türkiye, regarding social work practices in healthcare and to identify associated factors. A sample of 181 was selected through simple random sampling. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-test, Spearman correlation, and factor analyses. The Cronbach’s alpha for the attitude scale was 0.87. A significant portion (34.8 percent) had not heard of the social work profession, and 56.4 percent were unaware of social workers in their institution. Female students and those encountering underserved patients showed higher knowledge scores. There was a weak positive correlation between knowledge and attitudes. Factors influencing attitudes included gender, familiarity with social work, encountering underserved patients and financial status. Changes in medical education are needed to enhance interprofessional collaboration, with further research recommended on gender roles and attitudes towards social work.

Application of physical and mathematical modeling in the educational process by the example of power plant simulators

This article discusses the application of digital twin technology in thermal power engineering. Special attention is paid to the influence of digital models of the existing equipment of the powerplant on the educational process in higher educational institutions and professional development of service personnel. The article summarizes the results of the introduction of power plant simulators into the curriculum, the methodology of laboratory work and the organization of training sessions. It is also shown that the introduction of physical and mathematical modeling in education and practice contributes to improving the safety and efficiency of work in the energy sector. The results of the introduction of plant simulators into the curriculum are summarized. The software of computer equipment provided for classes at a higher educational institution is considered as a tool for practicing operation skills and creating digital models. When working in a software package, the user is given the opportunity to control units of equipment individually, collectively as a whole unit, or create computational models consisting of simple blocks of equipment. The proposed mutual cooperation between software developers and universities can lead to the creation of digital models to enable retraining of specialists in the workplace, as well as increasing the level of knowledge of graduates. The result of the introduction of a virtual testing ground in a higher educational institution in order to verify the knowledge of students is considered. Thus, the introduction of digital twins into the educational process and practice of work in the thermal power industry is a promising direction for the development of the industry. It contributes to improving the level of training of specialists, ensuring the safety and efficiency of equipment operation, as well as reducing the risks of emergency situations

CAPACITY BUILDING IN JOB SUSTAINABILITY FOR PERMAI MEMBERS IN PULAU PINANG, MALAYSIA

This Community Service Program (PPM) aims to improve the self-actualization, competitiveness, and adaptability of Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, particularly members of the PERMAI organization in Penang. The challenges posed by regional labor competition, especially after the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), include low productivity, limited education, and insufficient skills among Indonesian workers. To address these issues, the program offers psychoeducation, training, and the introduction of new competencies such as digital literacy, sustainability-focused green skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset. These skills are designed to better prepare participants for the global job market, ensuring long-term employment sustainability and economic contribution. The program targets 50-100 PERMAI members from diverse professional backgrounds, including factory workers, lecturers, and data analysts. Through lectures, discussions, and interactive workshops, the initiative aims to boost self-efficacy in career and business planning while enhancing both hard and soft skills. The integration of digital competencies and environmental awareness aligns with global trends in sustainable work practices, contributing to the development of technology-driven and environmentally responsible workers. The anticipated outcomes include improved career planning, entrepreneurial development, and green job practices. The findings are expected to add theoretical value to sustainable human resource development and digital upskilling.

The power and potential of space and place in family group conferencing: Reimagining the role of the venue in child protection practice

Family Group Conferencing is a family-led decision-making process used in children’s social care in the UK. Unlike traditional meetings between families and professionals when there is a safeguarding concern, Family Group Conferences are often held outside children’s services’ premises in a ‘neutral’ venue. In this article, we critique the idea that a meeting location can be neutral as spaces may be experienced differently, and hold multiple meanings, for the family, their network and professionals who take part. Starting from the premise that relationships with and in space have the potential to disrupt power imbalances and affect families’ and professionals’ experiences, we propose the meeting location for the Family Group Conference is instead viewed as a core component of the intervention. This bespoke approach begins with the question, how could the meeting venue improve the experiences of Family Group Conferencing for families and professionals? To answer this question, we use two fictional vignettes written from the perspectives of a young woman and her social worker. The vignettes were created based on the combined practice and research experience of the co-authors and are used in the article as a tool to theorise the possible benefits and limitations of considering the meeting venue as an intervention component. By reimagining how meeting somewhere meaningful to the family could influence families’ and professionals’ experiences of Family Group Conferencing this paper contributes to social work research and practice in the UK and beyond.

Challenges and Responsibilities in the UX Design of Text-to-Image AI Models: A Discussion Through a Comparative Heuristics Evaluation

The rapid advancement and adoption of generative AI in creative and professional domains mark a significant evolution in technological interaction, raising pivotal discussions on its integration, usability and broader societal impact. This paper delves into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI, focusing in particular on text-to-image tools and their integration into daily work practices of artists, designers, architects and researchers. As these creators increasingly incorporate AI's inherent unpredictability and ambiguity into their work, a critical examination of the ethical, legislative and environmental implications becomes imperative. We highlight how the User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) aspects of these groundbreaking technologies remain mostly underexplored. UX pioneer Jakob Nielsen has recently warned that professionals in the field must adapt to the fast-paced advancements in AI or become obsolete for an industry that is becoming pivotal in the contemporary creative field. He draws a parallel between the current AI era and the dot-com boom of the 1990s, highlighting how UX professionals were slow to adapt to the Internet, which led to missed opportunities and a lack of user-centred design. Consequently, the usability of generative AI tools is a paramount concern, especially as non-expert users increasingly engage with these systems. This paper explores the usability challenges, specifically the articulation barrier where users struggle to effectively communicate prompts to AI, and the consequent need for more intuitive and accessible interfaces. Through comparative analysis and a heuristic evaluation of four leading models, i.e. Midjourney, Dall.E, Stable Diffusion and Adobe Firefly, which presents a unique case study for comparison due to their divergent UI and UX elements, we aim to provide insights into the current state of AI tools and propose pathways for their responsible and effective use.

STUDI PENGAPLIKASIAN APPSHEET SEBAGAI MEDIA PENDUKUNG MONITORING PRAKTIK KERJA LAPANGAN PRODI TEKNIK OTOMOTIF SMK N 5 SURAKARTA

<p class="abstrak"><em><span>The duration of the internship program in Indonesia has changed, from 3 months to 6 months. Increasing the duration of the internship program requires a supportive monitoring model, considering the problem of student attendance and the limited costs of monitoring the internship program. The AppSheet platform is a solution that needs to be developed and implemented as a support tool for student monitoring. The research method uses a qualitative phenomenological, to find out the results of implementing the AppSheet application as an online attendance and recap of the attendance of automotive engineering students at SMK N 5 Surakarta during the internship program from April 1 to September 30, 2023. Observation Interview data and documentation are presented in text form descriptive narrative, through interactive analysis techniques. As a result, the AppSheet application helps teachers monitor student attendance during industrial work practices, makes it easier to detect student absences, and becomes the basis for providing personal and group guidance for students who experience problems during the internship program.</span></em></p><p class="abstrak"> </p>

Connected Communities | Learning lessons from person-centred community-based support services’ implementation: a mixed-methods study protocol.

Background Person-centred community-based support services (PCCBSS) are an array of non-clinical services provided by organisations such as NHS Trusts, voluntary sector organisations, or local authorities. All PCCBSS involve an individual (variously known as a 'social prescriber’, ‘link worker’, ‘signposter’, ‘navigator’, ‘connector’ or ‘neighbourhood coach’) who talks with a service user before directing them to a range of relevant community sources of social, emotional, and practical support. Despite much recent investment in social prescribing, and its increased prominence within the policy context across England, little is understood about how PCCBSS are implemented. Research is required across different contexts to describe PCCBSS implementation; in particular, how social care providers successfully interact to support the implementation of PCCBSS, and how services responded to circumstances imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose The aim of this post-implementation mixed-methods study is to explore how PCCBSS are implemented and become part of usual working practice. Using three services in North West England as case studies, we will examine factors influencing PCCBSS implementation and establish where there is learning for the wider adult social care system. Focus The study comprises two work packages (WPs): WP1: collecting data by reviewing service documents from three PCCBSS case studies; WP2: interviewing staff and service users (≤20 participants per PCCBSS); Key implementation data will be systematically abstracted (from WPs1&2) into a coding frame; combining contextual determinants from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) with process-related domains from Normalization Process Theory (NPT). Key outputs The findings from WP1 and WP2 will be presented in the form of an illustrated ‘pen portrait’, developed collaboratively with Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast (ARC NWC) public advisers, to illustrate how implementation evolved for each of the PCCBSS across key time-points in the process (initiation; operation; maintenance). The findings will also inform an online implementation toolkit providing recommendations for setting up future PCCBSS.

Factors associated with self-initiated moves during the formal eviction process

Abstract Housing eviction is a common occurrence, affecting hundreds of thousands of Europeans annually. It is well known that it primarily impacts the most vulnerable groups in society and is associated with adverse outcomes. However, previous research heavily relies on enforced removals registered in official statistics, thus missing eviction outcomes that do not undergo or disrupt the formal eviction process. This exploratory study, based on unique national Swedish register data on evictions with a sample of over 60,000 individuals, examines self-initiated moves and contrasts them with enforced removals and lease regain. Results from univariable and multivariable multinomial logistic regression analyses indicate that economic hardship and living in a single household are associated with both self-initiated moves and enforced removals. However, distinct factors associated with self-initiated moves are aged under twenty-five, living as a couple with children, residing in a non-metropolitan municipality, and having a native background. Gender-stratified analysis highlights strong associations for young women and native-background women with self-initiated moves. The results underscore the significance of implementing preventive social services interventions that address the specific needs of this larger group of individuals who face evictions under a broader definition. Further implications for research, policy, and social work practice are discussed.

Radicalising hope to resist the neoliberalisation of social work

The influence of neoliberalism is taken for granted in social work and has increasingly shaped social work practice, research and education. This article examines hope in social work and the importance of radically theorising hope to challenge the neoliberalisation of social work. Social work has a dual function that both resists and accommodates neoliberal agendas. Hope is a multidimensional concept. Hope is predominantly individualised in social work, but there are also radical and critical notions of hope that align with the broader political struggles of social work. Consistent with ethics of social justice, this article advocates for broadening the use of hope in social work to incorporate radical and critical hope in social work practice, research and education.