Community Social Work Research Articles

Mutually Supportive and Inclusive Societies Driven by Community Social Workers in Japan: A Thematic Analysis of Japanese Comics.

Social isolation is a growing concern worldwide, particularly within aging populations. This study elucidates the specific attitudes, strategies, and approaches of community social workers (CSWs) in Japan as they work toward alleviating social isolation and building inclusive communities. This qualitative study, conducted in Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, used six Japanese comics as a unique data source, narrating real-life stories of social isolation and CSWs' approaches. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the content of the comics, including systematic coding, theme generation, and refining, while ensuring rigor and reflexivity. The total number of pages in the comics was 505. The transcripts of the comics as Microsoft Word documents totaled 63 pages. Four themes characterizing CSWs' strategies were revealed: (1) core values of professionalism and dedication; (2) personalized support oriented toward person-centered suffering; (3) community engagement, transitioning from exclusiveness to inclusiveness; and (4) connecting and reorganizing communities for inclusive societies. In Japan, CSWs employ multifaceted strategies to combat social isolation and foster inclusive communities. Their dedication, personalized support, community engagement, and capacity to reorganize their communities contribute to their pivotal role. This study provides a foundation for understanding CSWs' work and paves the way for further investigation of their evolving role in creating inclusive societies.

Exploring collaboration within Edmonton's City Table on Household Food Insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been unprecedented attention and funding toward addressing household food insecurity (HFI) in Canada. In Edmonton, a virtual "City Table" was developed to coordinate the myriad of HFI responses and begin to explore and address systemic issues underlying HFI. In this qualitative descriptive study, we asked: what are the opportunities for and challenges to collaboratively addressing HFI within Edmonton's City Table? In 2020, we conducted nine interviews with diverse professionals representing a local funding agency, the municipal food council, the City of Edmonton (community social work), the Edmonton Food Bank, the University of Alberta, ethno-cultural organizations, and other not-for-profit organizations supporting people experiencing poverty. Wenger's three modes of identification in a community of practice (CoP)—engagement, imagination, and alignment—were used to conceptually frame our qualitative analysis. Overall, we found that the HFI response sector reflects the beginnings of a CoP, but that inter-agency competition for funding and donations presents obstacles to the collaborative process. Findings highlight parallels between agencies and their clients, such as the mazes they must navigate to access resources. However, collaboration was facilitated by agencies' ideological cohesion and their shared struggle to address root causes of HFI. Analyses revealed some engagement amongst City Table members, but sparser imagination and alignment. A CoP does not yet exist because all three modes of identification are deficient in varying ways. Building engagement between agencies, shifting staff's imagination to a collective cause, and aligning practices are monumental tasks in this context.

Abstract 11708: Examining the Impact of Social Determinants of Health in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Insights From an Implementation Study in a Rural Primary Care Clinic

Introduction: The social determinants of health (SDoH) are associated with uncontrolled cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and warrant attention. Methods: We describe methods and cross-sectional results of the SDoH screening and referral system at a resident-run primary care clinic at Cayuga Medical Center (total 30 residents ~539 patients seen/month with 12% no shows) starting from Nov 2019. Eight domains of SDoH including food security, utility, housing, childcare, finances, transportation, literacy, and social support were selected based on local county data and focus group discussions. We developed an annual screening tool and referral system integrated into the electronic medical record for any SDoH positive patients to the community health and social workers (CHW/SW), who facilitated access to community resources. Patient education about available community resources, regular follow-up visits with the physician and CHW/SW, and periodic SDoH screening were other key components. Results: Among 741 patients (Hypertension and Diabetes), 607 (82%) patients underwent SDoH screening (Table). 200 (33%) patients had at least one domain of SDoH (SDoH +) and received SDoH interventions whereas, 407 (67%) did not have any SDoH. The three most common SDoH were lack of social support (61%), transportation (35%) and finance issues (25%). Patients in the SDoH+ group were younger, with higher percentage of non-White race/ethnicity, unemployment, disability, living alone, current smokers, illicit substance use, anxiety, depression, obesity, and opioid use with statistical significance. However, there were no significant differences in CVD risk factors like SBP (138.3 vs 138.4 mmHg), DBP (84 vs 83 mmHg), HbA1c (6.4 vs 6.2) and LDL-c (103.7 vs 101.5 mg/dL). Conclusions: In addition to controlling standard CVD risk factors, implementation of SDoH routine screening and referral system in a primary care clinic may help in mitigating CVD burden as seen in our study.

Giving evidence before the First-tier Tribunal (Mental Health): the role of inpatient mental health nurses

The First-tier Tribunal (Mental Health) is a legal body that reviews the rights of detained patients in hospital and whether continued detention under the Mental Health Act 1983 remains in the best interests of the patient. To undertake this work, the Tribunal examines evidence presented in clinical reports and oral evidence by mental health staff, including psychiatrists, community mental health nurses and/or social workers, and inpatient mental health nurses. This article discusses best practice concerning preparation required by inpatient mental health nurses attending the Mental Health Tribunal as expert witnesses to give evidence.

SOCIAL AND PEDAGOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES WORK IN COMMUNITIES

and social work. She investigates the role and significance of the use of technologies in socio-pedagogical practice, as well as their impact on the quality of personality of social work clients.The article also highlights important aspects of professional training of future social workers to use technologies in their work, as well as challenges and opportunities created due to their implementation. That is why the article is relevant for social workers in the community, students and researchers who are interested in the issues of the modern socio-pedagogical sphere.This article is devoted to the role and importance of social work in communities in modern society. It examines the main aspects of social work aimed at improving the quality of life and well-being of various social groups, including the vulnerable and the needy.The article analyzes the roles and functions of social workers in communities, their methods and tools, as well as the importance of cooperation with other services and organizations to achieve successful results. It also emphasizes ethical aspects and principles that guide social work in communities.This article is a useful source of information for social work professionals, students, researchers, and anyone interested in community social work and its importance for sustainable societal development. It was established that the main method of social work is work in the community. An important feature of social work in the community is the spontaneous combination of ordinary citizens as a moral obligation and the desire to do good work with the professional activity of social workers. All this is an important experience for social workers working in the community.
 Keywords: technologies; socio-pedagogical technologies; social worker; volunteering; community; counseling; training; social animation; disability; monitoring.

Artificial intelligence in social work practice education. The potential use of Generative AI for learning

This article is an account of a social work academic’s first engagement with generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). The aim is to introduce this emerging and fast-growing technology to the social work community in order to promote a dialogue about its potential use for learning in social work practice learning placements. Examples are included to stimulate ideas and motivate educators to use generative AI for teaching and learning. The case is made that students and educators need to understand how to use AI responsibly and skilfully to be agile and equipped for the workplace of the future. Although AI can be useful, it has limitations and cannot replace human interaction which is a fundamental aspect of social work education in the workplace.

Symphony of Community Social Work in Outlying Islands: Reflections between an External Supervisor and Social Workers

<p>不論是由社會工作專業工作者進入推動計畫，還是社區工作培力社區組織，或者僅是進行地理性範圍服務和社區宣導，當大家談論到社區工作時總是有不同的範圍內容的想像，於是身為外聘督導與資深的離島工作者的我們開始討論到：是否這些想像僅是因為不同的計畫任務而來？又大家都在做社區，能否有一致的、立基於社工專業的方向與經驗累積？因此，這篇文章我們透過外聘督導陪伴離島社工，所沉積的同島和跳島工作故事，從不同職務經歷的轉換，發現的社區現象，覺知啟動離島社區工作的核心關鍵和從事社區工作介入的視角，進而討論訓練社會工作者擔任社區工作者的養成要素和督導機制，提升社區工作專業品質。</p> <p> </p><p>In the various conceptualisations of scope and content, community work assumes different forms, including the promotion of social work initiatives, nurturing of community organisations, and provision of geographical services and community advocacy. In this study, the thoughts of external supervisors and social workers in outlying islands of Taiwan were gathered to determine whether the aforementioned conceptualisations solely stem from different project tasks and whether they collectively align with the principles of social work. To elucidate the fundamental underpinnings of initiating community work on outlying islands and offer insights into possible interventions, narratives of collaborative effort between external supervisors and social workers on outlying islands were collected, including same-island and island-hopping experiences across distinct job roles. In addition, factors contributing to mechanisms of development and supervision aimed at training community workers were investigated to enhance the professional quality of community work.</p> <p> </p>

Using multiple lenses to see an invisible group

Social work in Poland and in the United States shares the values of human dignity and self-determination, but there are often value conflicts in terms of how various groups experience social roles and social expectations. This paper explores the use of multiple lenses to understand the past and current conditions for LGBT+ people in Poland. An international, university-level collaboration uses a framework of “invisible groups” to highlight the needs of those who are on the margins of society and whose human and individual rights are suppressed. The article reviews the results of a recently published on-line survey of LGBT+ populations and their views of their experiences in Polish society to illustrate their “invisibility” and the need for advocacy from the international social work community.

Advancing Social Work Research in Australia: Experienced Researcher Perspectives

ABSTRACT While social work research in Australia is in reasonable shape, it requires a strong research culture promoting rigorous research to enhance its credibility and influence on social policy discourses. This study explored proposals to advance social work research, based on interviews with 20 experienced Australian social work researchers. Strategies identified include improving research culture and training, the development of research infrastructure to promote and stimulate research, and forming new partnerships both among researchers and between researchers and research end-users. Growing and strengthening the research foundations of the discipline is essential to its future relevance. IMPLICATIONS The Australian social work community would benefit from a more deliberate and strategic approach to increasing the quality and quantity of research to inform practice and policy. Opportunities for social work researchers to connect with each other to disseminate, discuss, and plan research could provide a hub for increasing research development and research collaboration. The responsibility and capacity to lead research development and advocate for social work research is shared between the academy, the human services sector, and representative professional associations.

Transformations in Local Social Action in Portugal

The decentralization of social functions to municipalities, also known as municipal decentralization, triggered new contexts of practice in municipal social intervention. Municipalities are now dealing with more work and a focus on working in partnerships, which calls for greater dynamism of the local social action teams. This process has pushed the social workers to practices that alternate between mediation through the construction of access to a universal standard of social rights and the development of social intervention models with specific access to certain contexts and social groups. The objective of this paper is to envision new forms of standardization of social action within the framework of municipal decentralization, combining place-based perspectives with community and structural social work. What can we learn from social workers’ perspectives on the context of social functions in order to envision forms of place-based standardization of municipal social action? We seek to analyze the professional visions of local social action systems reform, discussing new contexts of practice; new place-based functions; and their correlation with political mediation for universal and intermunicipal social rights, instrumental dimensions of concrete work, and dimensions of value attributed to practicing social work. We organized the research according to the phenomenological paradigm, mobilizing the qualitative method and the multiple-case study. Based on evidence from the discourse of all professionals involved in the study, the findings indicate that the transformations of local social action systems, associated with the processes of social functions decentralization, imply greater comprehensiveness of social intervention, the ability to work in partnerships, and new place-based approach matrices, but they also present challenges for social workers in terms of multilevel governance that may favor the standardization of access to better social well-being between municipal territories.

“I Need to Get My Culture Back”: Youth and Provider Perspectives on Integrating Culturally Based Approaches into Sexual and Reproductive Health Programs for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Youth Experiencing Homelessness

There is growing interest in decolonizing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and embedding cultural practices into social and medical services in Hawai‘i. Wahine (“woman”) Talk is a multilevel, comprehensive SRH program for female youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) led by community health, social work, and medical providers. This study examines youth and program provider perspectives of culturally based approaches that may strengthen SRH programs. The study team conducted three focus groups and ten in-depth interviews with participating youth and program providers after the program’s conclusion. Youth participants were aged 14 to 22 years (M = 18.1) and of Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander ancestry. Interview transcripts were analyzed using structured thematic analysis. The youth described feeling estranged from their ancestral cultures and suggested incorporating multiple cultural practices to enhance their connection to community, body, and land into SRH programming for YEH. They identified several ʻāina (“land”)–based approaches, hands-on learning, hula, and language as possible practices to weave into the program. While youth felt estranged from their ancestral cultures, they discussed Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander health perspectives where ʻāina and relationships are considered life-sustaining. Youth and program staff stressed incorporating culture respectfully, caring for the whole person, and providing trauma-informed care. Future policy, practice, and research should consider protecting and integrating Native Hawaiian conceptions of health into SRH policy and practice and include youths’ cultural identities in SRH intervention development.

Challenges and Solutions in Implementing eSource Technology for Real-World Studies in China: Qualitative Study Among Different Stakeholders.

eSources consist of data that were initially documented in an electronic structure. Typically, an eSource encompasses the direct acquisition, compilation, and retention of electronic information (such as electronic health records [EHRs] or wearable devices), which serves to streamline clinical research. eSources have the potential to enhance the accuracy of data, promote patient safety, and minimize expenses associated with clinical trials. An opinion study published in September 2020 by TransCelerate outlined a road map for the future application of eSource technology and identified 5 key areas of challenges. The background of this study concerns the use of eSource technology in clinical research. The aim of this study was to present challenges and possible solutions for the implementation of eSource technology in real-world studies by summarizing team experiences and lessons learned from an eSource record (ESR) project. After initially developing a simple prototype of the ESR software that can be demonstrated systematically, the researchers conducted in-depth interviews and interacted with different stakeholders to obtain guidance and suggestions. The researchers selected 5 different roles for interviewees: regulatory authorities, pharmaceutical company representatives, hospital information department employees, medical system providers, and clinicians. After screening all consultants, the researchers concluded that there were 25 representative consultants. The hospital information department needs to implement many demands from various stakeholders, which makes the existing EHR system unable to meet all the demands of eSources. The emergence of an ESR is intended to divert the burden of the hospital information department from the enormous functional requirements of the outdated EHR system. The entire research process emphasizes multidisciplinary and multibackground expert opinions and considers the complexity of the knowledge backgrounds of personnel involved in the chain of clinical source data collection, processing, quality control, and application in real-world scenarios. To increase the readability of the results, the researchers classified the main results in accordance with the paragraph titles in "Use of Electronic Health Record Data in Clinical Investigations," a guide released by the US Food and Drug Administration. This study introduces the requirement dependencies of different stakeholders and the challenges and recommendations for designing ESR software when implementing eSource technology in China. Experiences based on ESR projects will provide new insights into the disciplines that advance the eSource research field. Future studies should engage patients directly to understand their experiences, concerns, and preferences regarding the implementation of eSource technology. Moreover, involving additional stakeholders, including community health care providers and social workers, will provide valuable insights into the challenges and potential solutions across various health care settings.

A call to action: Unpacking the challenges to implementing social sustainability initiatives in a developing country city

With cities sprawling and populations booming in developing regions, ensuring social sustainability in urban areas has become more urgent. This study investigates the challenges of implementing social sustainability initiatives for cities in developing countries, focusing on Dhaka as a representative city. A mixed-method approach involving structured questionnaire surveys and key informant interviews was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The study identified eighteen challenges to implementing social sustainability initiatives in Dhaka city, including a lack of poor urban governance, an inefficient city management system, a lack of political stability, a long delay in the planning approval process, etc. Additionally, experts identified additional challenges that require attention. The study offers empirical evidence to assist government officials, policymakers, and urban planners overcome these challenges and implement social sustainability effectively. To address the identified challenges, the study recommends revisiting the Structure Plan, Urban Area Plan, Detailed Area Plan, and Urban Sector Policy-2011. It highlights the crucial role of community social workers in mitigating specific issues in socially sustainable urban development. Eventually, the study will contribute to the implementation of SDG-11 in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by bridging the gap between urbanization and socially sustainable cities.

The Teaching–Learning of Community Social Work: Debating as an Instrument to Acquire Transversal Competences

Debating represents an active teaching–learning method in higher education. Engaging in debates helps to acquire and develop transversal skills, which are essential to successfully function in personal, academic, and professional spheres. In this quantitative, descriptive, and explanatory study, we analyse how attitudes included within transversal competences were acquired through a debate activity conducted as a part of the social work programme at the University of Alicante. A total of 74 students participated, with an average age of 22.34 years, the majority of which were women. The students were divided into two evaluation groups: a peer evaluation group and a teacher evaluation group. Using an ad hoc questionnaire, three categories of variables were studied: sociodemographic variables; organisational and activity evaluation variables; and variables relating to the acquisition of attitudes. The results indicated that debating favoured communication, innovation and entrepreneurship, social commitment, critical thinking, information management, autonomy and self-regulation, as well as teamwork. Variations were also found according to the university admission modality and the evaluation agent. These results highlight not only how useful debating can be as a pedagogical tool, but also the need to consider different contextual factors when implementing debate activities in the context of university studies.

The Urgency of Establishing a Social Welfare Center (Puskesos) in Cirebon City

This research discusses the urgency of establishing a Social Welfare Center (Puskesos) in Cirebon City as a response to the ineffectiveness of the social welfare service system faced by the community, even though a Community Social Worker (PSM) unit has been formed which functions as a partner of the Cirebon City Social Service (Dinsos). The research method uses a qualitative approach, namely collecting data through observation, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and literature review. The informants in this research were PSM and Social Service officers in the field of social protection and security services. The research results show that in Cirebon City, there has not been a Social Health Center that functions as a center for information and data, providing services and an integrated referral system to the community. So PSM, whose function is to help implement social welfare services, cannot play their role effectively. This shows the urgency of establishing a Community Health Center as a forum for social welfare services at the sub-district level. Implementation of services in the Social Health Center uses an Integrated Service and Referral System, namely providing social welfare services collaboratively with the community in dealing with problems and developing existing social welfare potential. So that shared responsibility is created, not only involving the government but the private sector and society.

Community-based HIV prevention services for transgender people in Ukraine: current situation and potential for improvement

BackgroundCommunity-based HIV-prevention services are a key approach to prevent HIV transmission among key population representatives. Transgender people have multiple specific needs and it is crucial to use prevention approaches that effectively respond to those needs and facilitate barriers on the way to use HIV prevention and related services. This study is aimed to explore the current state of community-based HIV prevention services among transgender people in Ukraine, its limitations and potential for improvement based on the experience and perceptions of transgender people, physicians, and community social workers providing services to transgender people.MethodsSemi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted among physicians providing services to transgender people (N = 10), community social workers (N = 6), and transgender people (N = 30). The objectives of the interviews were to explore: the relevance of the community-based HIV prevention services to the needs of transgender people; the key components of the most preferred (“ideal”) HIV-prevention package for transgender people; ways to optimize the existing HIV prevention package for transgender people including enrollment and retention. Systematically collected data were analyzed and coded into the main domains, thematic categories and subcategories using thematic analysis.ResultsThe current HIV prevention programs were well-evaluated by the majority of respondents. Gender-affirming care was found to be the key need of transgender people. Integration of HIV prevention services and gender-affirming care was perceived as the main way to address the needs of transgender people. Internet-based and peer word-of-mouth recruitment may improve enrollment in services. Optimization of existing HIV prevention package may include: psychological counseling, referral and navigation to medical services, legal services, pre- and post-exposure prevention, dissemination of tube lubricants, femidoms and latex wipes, use of oral fluid test systems for HIV self-testing.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest potential solutions to improve community-based HIV prevention services for transgender people by introducing a transgender people -oriented package, which integrates gender transition, HIV prevention and other services. Provision of prevention services based on assessed risk and referral/navigation to related services are the key options for optimization of the existing HIV prevention package.Trial registrationNot applicable.

Estimating the workload of a multi-disciplinary care team using patient-level encounter histories

ABSTRACT Healthcare spending in the United States is concentrated on a small percentage of individuals, with 5% of the population accounting for 50% of annual spending. Many patients among the top 5% of spenders have complex health and social needs. Care coordination interventions, often led by a multidisciplinary team consisting of nurses, community health workers and social workers, are one strategy for addressing the challenges facing such patients. Care teams strive to improve health outcomes by forging strong relationships with clients, visiting them on a regular basis, reconciling medications, arranging primary and speciality care visits, and addressing social needs such as housing instability, unemployment and insurance. In this paper, we propose a simulation algorithm that samples longitudinal patient-level encounter histories to estimate the staffing needs for a multidisciplinary care team. Our numerical results illustrate multiple uses of the algorithm for staffing under stationary and non-stationary patient enrollment rates.

Convergence of community social work practice, collective impact, and design thinking: What, why, and how?

Summary Social workers engage with marginalized communities impacted by challenges that are intensely complex and dynamic. This necessitates designing strategies and interventions that are sustainable, effective, nonduplicative and collaborative across systems and organizations. This article aims to provide a synthesis of three frameworks that can intersect to facilitate systems-level change: community practice, collective impact, and design thinking. Each framework provides unique contributions for bolstering contemporary macro social work practice. Findings The article provides an overview of the three frameworks and their distinctive features, limitations, and points of intersection. The integration of community practice with collective impact and design thinking frameworks for enabling social workers to come up with innovative solutions that include diverse stakeholder perspectives is elucidated with a case example. Application The article specifies the implications of integrating community practice, collective impact, and design thinking for further strengthening social work practice, education, and research.

Husband-wife Relationship, Neonatal Health, Breast Milk Volume and Postpartum Depression: A Prospective Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major public health problem that has negative effects on mothers, infants, and society. This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of PPD and elucidating the delivery factors implicated in PPD so as take more targeted measures for reducing the potential risk factors. A prospective cohort study was conducted. Following the criterion, 151 pregnant women were included in the study. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and the general questionnaire were filled out 2–3 days after delivery. At weeks 2 and 6 postpartum, the EPDS was reassessed either online or via telephone. Also, electronic medical records based on relevant information during the delivery period were collected. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. A high rate of PPD (31.13%) was reported. Univariate correlation analysis showed statistically significant differences in the husband-wife relationship (χ2 = 18.497, p < 0.001), neonatal health (χ2 = 14.710, p < 0.001), and breast milk volume (χ2 = 5.712, p = 0.017) between PPD and normal control groups. Adjusting for other covariates, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that satisfactory conjugal relation could reduce the risk of PPD (OR, 0.053; p = 0.022); Neonatal health problems significantly increase the risk of PPD (OR, 6.497; p = 0.001); Adequate breast milk could alleviate the risk of PPD (OR, 0.351; P = 0.045). Data analysis suggests that marital discord and unhealthy new-born are independent risk factors; nevertheless, sufficient breast milk is a protective factor against PPD. Healthcare workers such as hospital and community doctors and social workers should pay attention to PPD. Furthermore, perinatal emotional support, health education, and EPDS assessment need to be incorporated into maternity care. Screening and personalized psychological counselling should be carried out for high-risk pregnant women with PPD.

The Continuous Improvement Cultural Responsiveness Tools (CICRT): Creating More Culturally Responsive Social Workers

ABSTRACT Social workers play a pivotal role in addressing equity and diversity within Australia using both culturally responsiveness skills and knowledge. This article describes a research project that resulted in the development of the Continuous Improvement Cultural Responsive Tools that can be used by social workers in their practice. This was a large project conducted over three years, which involved engagement and consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community social workers. The community engagement and consultation process included the provision of cultural governance and participation in interviews. The tools developed are linked to seven key domains (Ngurras) that aim to increase the skills, knowledge, and overall confidence of social work practitioners in their culturally responsive practice. This article discusses the tools that provide a clear structure to guide social workers’ critical engagement in becoming more culturally responsive social workers and individuals when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. IMPLICATIONS Social work practices need to address the social injustices faced by Aboriginal Peoples by becoming more culturall responsive. The tools were developed to support social workers in their practice to self-assess their transformation in becoming culturally responsive social workers. Continuous improvement in collaborative and culturally responsive social work will improve services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.