Social Workers' Perspectives on Socially Isolated Older Adults Living with a Robot Companion

Addressing depression and social isolation among solo-living older adults in South Korea requires a multi-faceted approach. This study aims to explore the advantages and obstacles of a robotic elder care program by analyzing social workers' viewpoints regarding interactions between older adults and a companion robot named Hyodol. Through the purposive sampling method, we conducted comprehensive interviews with 10 social workers who are pioneering the integration of robots in elder care. The study participants observed and compared the demographic characteristics of users and non-users, elucidated usage patterns, described the roles of robot companions, and shared remarkable instances. Overall, the experiences of these social workers underscored the positive influence of Hyodol in offering companionship, care, and emotional support, especially in circumstances where clients experienced isolation or lacked regular family interactions. In addition, social workers' perspectives hold significant value in comprehending the genuine effects of anthropomorphism - the inclination to attribute human-like qualities and emotions to robots. Our investigation revealed the existence of two distinct modes of personification among older adults, which we have labeled as "imagination" and "projection."

Triggers and factors associated with moral distress and moral injury in health and social care workers: A systematic review of qualitative studies

OBJECTIVE

At some point in their career, many healthcare workers will experience psychological distress associated with being unable to take morally or ethically correct action, as it aligns with their own values; a phenomenon known as moral distress. Similarly, there are increasing reports of healthcare workers experiencing long-term mental and psychological pain, alongside internal dissonance, known as moral injury. This review examined the triggers and factors associated with moral distress and injury in Health and Social Care Workers (HSCW) employed across a range of clinical settings with the aim of understanding how to mitigate the effects of moral distress and identify potential preventative interventions.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted and reported according to recommendations from Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Searches were conducted and updated regularly until January 2024 on 2 main databases (CENTRAL, PubMed) and three specialist databases (Scopus, CINAHL, PsycArticles), alongside hand searches of study registration databases and other systematic reviews reference lists. Eligible studies included a HSCW sample, explored moral distress/injury as a main aim, and were written in English or Italian. Verbatim quotes were extracted, and article quality was assessed via the CASP toolkit. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns and arrange codes into themes. Specific factors like culture and diversity were explored, and the effects of exceptional circumstances like the pandemic.

RESULTS

Fifty-one reports of 49 studies were included in the review. Causes and triggers were categorised under three domains: individual, social, and organisational. At the individual level, patients' care options, professionals' beliefs, locus of control, task planning, and the ability to make decisions based on experience, were indicated as elements that can cause or trigger moral distress. In addition, and relevant to the CoVID-19 pandemic, was use/access to personal protection resources. The social or relational factors were linked to the responsibility for advocating for and communication with patients and families, and professionals own support network. At organisational levels, hierarchy, regulations, support, workload, culture, and resources (staff and equipment) were identified as elements that can affect professionals' moral comfort. Patients' care, morals/beliefs/standards, advocacy role and culture of context were the most referenced elements. Data on cultural differences and diversity were not sufficient to make assumptions. Lack of resources and rapid policy changes have emerged as key triggers related to the pandemic. This suggests that those responsible for policy decisions should be mindful of the potential impact on staff of sudden and top-down change.

CONCLUSION

This review indicates that causes and triggers of moral injury are multifactorial and largely influenced by the context and constraints within which professionals work. Moral distress is linked to the duty and responsibility of care, and professionals' disposition to prioritise the wellbeing of patients. If the organisational values and regulations are in contrast with individuals' beliefs, repercussions on professionals' wellbeing and retention are to be expected. Organisational strategies to mitigate against moral distress, or the longer-term sequalae of moral injury, should address the individual, social, and organisational elements identified in this review.

Outcomes of Aggression and Victimization in Social Welfare Services

This study examined two significant phenomena that occur in the workplace, aggression and victimization, and their outcomes. The study's participants were 470 social workers employed by social welfare services in Israel. The examined outcomes were stress symptoms, emotional exhumation, and decline in quality of service climate. The associations between aggression, victimization, and their outcomes were examined via linear regression during Stata 14. The study found that the similar outcomes of aggression and victimization are stress symptoms and emotional exhaustion, while service climate (decline in quality) was associated only with victimization. While most studies have examined mainly victimization outcomes, the current study examined both aggression and victimization outcomes. This article sheds light on the similarities and the difference of outcomes between aggression and victimization and explicates the phenomena of workplace aggression from two important and complementary aspects of aggression and victimization. It is important to refer to either aggression or victimization while considering workplace aggression. Authors recommend for further studies to continue to investigate both aggression and victimization while researching workplace aggression outcomes.

At the Forefront: Social Workers' Role in Psilocybin Treatment for Depression and Substance Misuse

This article underscores the critical role of social workers in harnessing the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and substance use disorder (SUD). Contemporary treatments for MDD often have side effects, and the success rate for SUD treatments remains low. The pervasiveness of MDD, combined with the challenges in treating SUD, highlights a need for innovative treatments. This article provides an overview of the resurgence of literature over the past two decades that illuminates the therapeutic promise of psilocybin for mental health treatment; clinical trials elucidate the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy in mitigating MDD and demonstrate great promise in reducing SUD symptoms. The long-lasting posttreatment effect emphasizes its potential as a novel treatment modality. Furthermore, psilocybin's recognition as a "breakthrough therapy" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the accelerating pace of psychedelic reform bills indicate growing acceptance and interest in its therapeutic capacities. Psilocybin-assisted therapy emerges as a potent treatment option, showcasing remarkable effectiveness even after a single dose. Recommendations and pathways for social workers to be involved in psilocybin-assisted therapy investigation, advocacy, and implementation are provided.

Challenges perceived by social workers to prevent FGM/C in Bavaria: a prospective, cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, at least 230 million girls and women are affected by female genital mutilation/ cutting (FGM/C). FGM/C violates human rights and can cause irreparable harm and even lead to death. In 2022, more than 100,000 survivors of FGM/C lived in Germany, and more than 17,000 girls were considered at risk. Due to the increasing number, there is a need to improve the skills of professionals not only to treat FGM/C but also to prevent it, aiming to maintain or improve women's physical and mental health. However, previous studies mostly focused on health care providers, even though other professionals such as social workers, play an important role in the provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care and are often the first point of contact. Therefore, the study's main objective was to understand challenges perceived by social workers in pregnancy counselling centres in the provision of good quality of SRH care for girls and women suffering from or endangered by FGM/C.

METHODS

A quantitative self-administered cross-sectional online survey was sent by e-mail in 2021 to all pregnancy counselling centers in the German federal state of Bavaria.

RESULTS

Among the 141 participants, 82% reported no or insufficient FGM/C knowledge and barriers to provide the best quality of care. The main findings were language obstacles (82.7%), perceived client's fear or shame (67.9%) and cultural difficulties (45.7%). Furthermore, participants also reported a lack of competence on the professional side (29.6%). Importantly, most participants (129 of 141; 92%) expressed interest in training.

CONCLUSION

Providing comprehensive good quality sexual and reproductive health care to women and girls affected from or endangered by FGM/C is challenging. The study revealed the importance of strengthening the skills of social workers and suggested the following strategies: (1) enhancing FGM/C knowledge and skills (including specialized competences e.g., in mental health) by improving training and information material for the target group, (2) improving referral pathways and addressing deficits in the existing care system (e.g. with health or legal institutions), and (3) developing trusting relationships with cultural (or traditional) mediators to build strong community networks.

mHealth based intervention by social care professionals to support family caregivers to persons with dementia living at home in Sweden (Caregiver Connect): a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The majority of persons with dementia in Sweden reside in their own homes with support from family members. Approximately, 12% of persons with dementia have immigrant background. Within the next 20 years, the number of persons with dementia who are non-ethnic Swedes is said to double. Family caregivers with immigrant backgrounds are noted to receive less support in the community than ethnic Swedes and rate their health status lower than ethnic Swedish peers. The Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare have highlighted the importance of follow-up support for family caregivers with immigrant backgrounds as there is a recognized gap in research and available information tailored to meet the needs of this group.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the study is to test effectiveness of an mHealth based intervention through which community social workers can improve caregiving competence of non-European immigrant family caregivers of people with dementia living at home in Sweden. The overarching aim is to reduce caregiver burden and depressive symptoms, and improve quality of life.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) including wait list control group will be performed consisting of an intervention group (A, n = 44) and a wait list control group (B, n = 44), totaling a sample size of 88. On completion of the 10-weeks long intervention in the intervention group, the intervention will be delivered to group B. Effect of the intervention will be analyzed between and within groups over time. The content of the educational component of the intervention is inspired by the iSupport manual developed by the World Health Organization. The contents, in the form of a booklet, aims to equip the family caregivers with structured information on understanding dementia as a condition and its management at home, including self-care guidance designed specifically for family caregivers themselves.

DISCUSSION

Similar telephone-delivered intervention studies targeted for family caregivers to persons with dementia are ongoing in Malaysia and will start in India using the same booklet adapted to the local context. These studies will provide evidence on the effectiveness of using digital technologies to deliver support to those who may not be reached or adequately served by the traditional healthcare system.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN registry, Registration number ISRCTN64235563.

Discharge process for patients experiencing homelessness in the emergency department: A thematic qualitative study

People experiencing homelessness are more likely to utilize emergency departments than their non-homeless counterparts. However, obtaining a bed in a homeless shelter for patients can be complex. To better understand the challenges of finding a safe discharge plan for homeless patients in the emergency department, our team conducted interviews with emergency department social workers and homeless shelter case managers in the Boston area. We identified and mapped the stages in the processes performed by both parties, identifying challenges with successful placement into a shelter. Furthermore, we assembled a data dictionary of key factors considered when assessing a patient's fit for a homeless shelter. By identifying bottlenecks and areas of opportunity, this study serves as a first step in enabling homeless individuals to receive the post-discharge assistance they require.

Priorities for enhancing nurses' and social workers' competence and confidence in helping families support dependent children through parental death. A classic-Delphi survey

BACKGROUND

Annually, approximately five per cent of dependent children - aged under eighteen years - in the United Kingdom (UK), experience parental death. Nurses and social workers caring for parents with life-limiting illnesses, including cancer, help families support their children. However, these professionals have been found to lack confidence and competence in fulfilling this role.

METHODS

We conducted three rounds of a classic-Delphi survey to identify and measure a panel of topic experts' consensus on the priorities and issues for nurses and social workers when supporting families and children through parental death. The Delphi survey was conducted with a panel of UK topic experts (n=43) including lead health and social care professionals (n=30), parents bereaved of a partner whilst parenting dependent children (n=6), academics (n=4) and bereaved young adults (n=3).

RESULTS

Ninety per cent (n=18/20) of the issues for nurses and social workers and all (7/7) of the priorities rated and ordered in the survey achieved consensus. Key priorities were 1) training in opening conversations with families about dependent children, 2) training and support for nurses and social workers to manage their own and others' emotions arising from conversations with parents about children's needs regarding parental death, and 3) increasing nurses' and social workers' knowledge of sources of information to support families before the death of a parent.

CONCLUSION

We identified priorities for UK nurses and social workers. Further research is needed to identify which of these nurses and social workers would benefit most from support, and how any resultant interventions could enhance confidence and competence in helping families to support children through parental death.

Caregiver interactions, perceived control, and meaning in life of elderly: the moderating effect of the elderly-to-social worker ratio

BACKGROUND

Meaning in life is a widely accepted aim in promoting psychosocial health in institutional care. However, how caregiver interaction and perceived control impact meaning in life among the elderly remains unclear. This study explores the effect of institutional caregiver interaction, family caregiver interaction, and perceived control on meaning in life among elderly residents in China, and the potential moderating effect of elderly-to-social worker ratio in these associations.

METHODS

Multistage random sampling was used to recruit a sample of 452 elderly residents from 4 elderly care homes in urban China. A structural equation model was used to test the study hypothesis.

RESULTS

Institutional caregiver interaction is positively related to meaning in life, and perceived control among elderly residents has a positive impact on meaning in life. Moreover, the elderly-to-social worker ratio moderated the relationship between institutional caregiver interaction and meaning in life, as well as between family caregiver interaction and meaning in life.

CONCLUSIONS

Increase elderly's meaning in life is an important service target for the caring professions in institutional care. Social workers affect the effectiveness of interventions on elderly's meaning in life in institutional care. A higher elderly-to-social worker ratio could improve the effectiveness of interventions on meaning in life for elderly residents.

Educating Social Workers in Palliative and End-of-Life Care: Development and Implementation of a New National Training Program

Background: Educating Social Workers in Palliative and End-of-Life Care (ESPEC) is a nationally scalable continuing education program designed to improve the knowledge and skills of frontline health social workers caring for patients with serious illness. Objectives: This article describes ESPEC's rationale, development, and initial implementation. Design: Following the creation of consensus-derived core primary palliative care competencies for health primary care social workers based on the eight domains of palliative care outlined in the National Consensus Project Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care, an evidence-based curriculum was developed. This was used to develop a hybrid training model with a self-study component, synchronous instructor-led skills-based training, leadership training, and mentorship. The interactive curriculum incorporates patient scenarios highlighting the health social work role. Training targets high-impact skills-the biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment, advance care planning, family meetings, and interprofessional communication-and professional development. Settings/Subjects: ESPEC was launched in the United States in collaboration with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network (SWHPN). Results: The preliminary launch demonstrated high user acceptability, positive ratings for content and format, and gains in knowledge and competence. Conclusions: Data suggest that ESPEC can increase health social workers' knowledge and confidence as providers of palliative care interventions. National dissemination is ongoing.

Pharmacist-social worker interprofessional relations and education in mental health: a scoping review

Background

One in eight patients is affected by a mental health condition, and interprofessional mental health teams collaborate to improve patient care. While pharmacists and social workers are recognized as mental health team members, there is a lack of literature describing interprofessional relations and education between these professions, especially as it pertains to mental health. The purpose of this review was to identify and characterize reports describing pharmacist-social worker interprofessional relations and education within mental health.

Methodology

To address this knowledge gap, this scoping review was conducted to collect and characterize reports published between January 1, 1960 and August 18, 2023 describing pharmacist-social worker interprofessional relations and education within the field of mental health. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were followed. Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Social Work Abstracts were searched using keywords "pharmacy student," "pharmacist," "social work student," "social worker," and "social work." Reports were included if they were published in English and interprofessional relations or education occurred directly between (student) pharmacists and social workers.

Results

Three hundred twenty records were identified and three records were included: one cross sectional study, one qualitative educational project, and one case report. Each record suggested positive patient and/or educational outcomes developing from pharmacist-social worker interprofessional relations and education. In clinical practice, pharmacist-social work teams identified mental health risk factors, reduced 30-day readmissions, and improved post-discharge telehealth care. In the classroom, a social worker improved pharmacy students' confidence assessing patient suicidal ideations.

Conclusions

This scoping review identified needs and areas for future research: pharmacist interprofessional education with Master of Social Work and Doctor of Social Work degree students, transitional care and mental health outcome measure reporting using evidence-based outcomes, and development of scholarly teaching projects utilizing higher-level educational frameworks beyond learner reactions.

Determinants of psychological injury among health and social care workers in community settings: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Health and Social Care (HSC) workers face psychological health risks in the workplace. While many studies have described psychological injuries in HSC workers, few have examined the determinants. Previous research has primarily focused on hospitals, lacking systematic reviews of community-based settings.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically identify and appraise current evidence on the determinants of psychological injuries among HSC workers in community settings.

METHODS

Searches were conducted in three bibliographic databases, supplemented by citation searches. Included studies focused on community-based HSC workers, reporting statistical associations between psychological injury and personal, health, occupational, or organizational factors. Quantitative studies published in English between January 1, 2000 and August 15, 2023 were included. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the JBI critical appraisal checklist.

RESULTS

Sixty-six studies were included. Study quality was highly variable, and all studies were cross-sectional. Twenty-three studies linked psychological injury with occupational factors (e.g. low job control, high job demands and low job satisfaction). Thirteen studies observed an association between work environment and psychological injury, and a further eleven between workplace social support and psychological injury. Fewer studies have examined the relationship between psychological injury and personal/individual factors.

CONCLUSION

Occupational and organisational factors are significantly associated with psychological health among HSA workers, in community settings. These aspects of job design, work environment and workplace relationships are modifiable, suggesting an opportunity for work design interventions to improve workers' psychological health and reduce the prevalence of psychological injury in this sector.

Examining Strategies among Veterans Affairs Outpatient Social Workers to Facilitate Job Retention and Emotional Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The social work profession is dealing with an increased rate of turnover, due largely in part to the pandemic. A recent study showed that U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) inpatient social workers utilized strategies of "emotional preparedness" to retain their job during the pandemic. The aim of this current study is to explore if outpatient social workers utilized similar strategies for their own job retention. There may be differences in the strategies utilized because outpatient and inpatient social workers tend to work in different environments. In this qualitative study, authors conducted interviews with (N = 13) outpatient social workers from a VA site in the Southwestern region of the United States. Findings were analyzed thematically. Authors conducted open coding and applied a priori themes/strategies from extant research among VA inpatient social workers. Most of the a priori themes/strategies were prevalent among outpatient social workers, and two emerging themes were (1) acknowledging shared trauma and (2) human connection to overcome isolation. Strategies of emotional preparedness should be implemented on a grander scale to facilitate job retention since there is an expected deficit in the social work workforce until at least 2030.

Social Workers' Experiences of Support in the Workplace during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This qualitative study included in-depth semistructured interviews with 17 social workers from across the state of Texas that took place during the summer of 2021. The purpose of this study was to describe social workers' experiences of workplace support during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide implications for how to improve support in the workplace. The interviews were analyzed using a phenomenological approach to describe the main themes of the participants' experiences. The findings combined with current literature suggest that following the pandemic and in the case of similar prolonged disasters organizational leaders should consider supporting their social work staff by clearly communicating protocol changes, providing more autonomy and flexible work arrangements, increasing time off and financial support, and providing tangible assistance such as technological support. Leaders should also consider their social work staff's emotional well-being following the pandemic by providing therapeutic resources and bonding opportunities for staff to promote a more resilient team-like culture in the workplace.

Implementing psychological support for health and social care staff affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative exploration of staff well-being hubs ('Resilience Hubs') using normalisation process theory

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the implementation of Hubs providing access to psychological support for health and social care keyworkers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

Qualitative interviews informed by normalisation process theory to understand how the Hub model became embedded into normal practice, and factors that disrupted normalisation of this approach.

SETTING

Three Resilience Hubs in the North of England.

PARTICIPANTS

Hub staff, keyworkers who accessed Hub support (Hub clients), keyworkers who had not accessed a Hub, and wider stakeholders involved in the provision of staff support within the health and care system (N=63).

RESULTS

Hubs were generally seen as an effective way of supporting keyworkers, and Hub clients typically described very positive experiences. Flexibility and adaptability to local needs were strongly valued. Keyworkers accessed support when they understood the offer, valuing a confidential service that was separate from their organisation. Confusion about how Hubs differed from other support prevented some from enrolling. Beliefs about job roles, unsupportive managers, negative workplace cultures and systemic issues prevented keyworkers from valuing mental health support. Lack of support from managers discouraged keyworker engagement with Hubs. Black, Asian and minority ethnic keyworkers impacted by racism felt that the Hubs did not always meet their needs.

CONCLUSIONS

Hubs were seen as a valuable, responsive and distinct part of the health and care system. Findings highlight the importance of improving promotion and accessibility of Hubs, and continuation of confidential Hub support. Policy implications for the wider health and care sector include the central importance of genuine promotion of and value placed on mental health support by health and social care management, and the creation of psychologically safe work environments. Diversity and cultural competency training is needed to better reach under-represented communities. Findings are consistent with the international literature, therefore, likely to have applicability outside of the current context.

Need for social work interventions in the emergency department

This paper reports findings from a qualitative study conducted on the Need for Social work interventions in the Emergency Department (ED) at a large tertiary care center in India. The emergency department is an important social work intervention point for individuals with various psychiatric, medical, and social needs who have little or no additional interaction with social services. Social workers are specially trained to understand the impact of social factors on health outcomes and provide interventions that address social barriers to improving health and accessing community resources; social workers are well prepared to provide services in the emergency department. However, limited research is available to understand the impact of psychosocial services in the emergency department. We aimed to identify areas which require integrated social work services and coordination to address the psychosocial issues within the ED. Interviews with 10 healthcare workers are analyzed thematically. Recurring themes throughout the interviews confirm the need for providing social work interventions to ensure the medical, psychological, and social care needs in the emergency department.

The Professional Identity of Social Workers in Mental Health Services: A Scoping Review

Recent research into the role of mental health social work has identified a need for increased critical engagement with accounts of professional role and identity. Notably, a number of studies have found that social workers struggle to articulate their role within mental health teams and services. This study aimed to identify the ways in which social workers in mental health settings defined their professional identity and role. An international scoping review utilizing Arksey and O'Malley's method was conducted, identifying 35 papers published between 1997 and 2022. A thematic analysis grouped the findings into three predominant themes: (i) distinct social work approaches to mental health, (ii) organizational negotiations for mental health social workers, and (iii) professional negotiations for mental health social workers. These thematic findings are discussed in relation to existing research and critical perspectives, with particular emphasis on accounts of the bureaucratic and ideological functioning of professionalism in mental health services, as well as the global direction of mental health policy. This review finds that mental health social work embodies a coherent identity that aligns with international mental health policy agendas but faces significant challenges in developing and expressing this identity within mental health services.

Race and COVID-19 among Social Workers in Health Settings: Physical, Mental Health, Personal Protective Equipment, and Financial Stressors

Social work is an essential workforce integral to the United States' public health infrastructure and response to COVID-19. To understand stressors among frontline social workers during COVID-19, a cross-sectional study of U.S-based social workers (N = 1,407) in health settings was collected (in June through August 2020). Differences in outcome domains (health, mental health, personal protective equipment [PPE] access, financial stress) were examined by workers' demographics and setting. Ordinal logistic, multinomial, and linear regressions were conducted. Participants reported moderate or severe physical (57.3 percent) and mental (58.3 percent) health concerns; 39.3 percent expressed PPE access concerns. Social workers of color were more likely to report significantly higher levels of concern across all domains. Those identifying as Black, American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN), Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI), multiracial, or Hispanic/Latinx were over 50 percent more likely to experience either moderate or severe physical health concerns, 60 percent more likely to report severe mental health concerns, and over 30 percent more likely to report moderate PPE access concerns. The linear regression model was significantly associated with higher levels of financial stress for social workers of color. COVID-19 has exposed racial and social injustices that that hold true for social workers in health settings. Improved social systems are critical not just for those impacted by COVID-19, but also for the protection and sustainability of the current and future workforce responding to COVID-19.

Supervision Effects on Negative Affect and Psychological Distress: Evidence from Social Workers in China

Supervision is an imperative practice within the social work field. It provides social workers with support systems, ensures that social workers are adhering to professional standards, and protects clients. Research has also shown that quality supervision can improve social workers' professional capacity and reduce work stress. However, most of this research has been confined to social workers' experiences within Western countries and has been largely qualitative in nature. Thus, this study aims to examine the experience of 489 social workers based in Guangzhou, China to understand how supervision affects their negative affect and psychological distress. The findings indicate that supervision not only reduces negative affect and psychological distress amongst Chinese social workers, but also is especially effective for social workers with high job demands. When job demands are high, social workers who receive both individual and group supervision also appear to have lower negative affect and psychological distress as compared to social workers who only receive individual supervision. These findings emphasize the significance of supervision as a buffer factor to reduce negative affect and psychological distress amongst Chinese social workers who face high job demands.

"A breath of fresh air": mindfulness training for early-career mental health social workers in Israel during COVID-19

The present study examined the effectiveness of participation in a mindfulness group for Israeli early career social workers during the COVID-19 period. Eleven participants conducting fieldwork in a mental health rehabilitation center were interviewed. The participants described a variety of benefits from their mindfulness training, in three main areas: (1) Personal: applying mindfulness in their daily life; (2) Family: improved work-life balance and family relationships; and (3) Professional: applying mindfulness in their work with mental health clients. Mental support and self-care tools provided to early-career social workers were perceived by the participants as helping them overcome uncertainty, fatigue, and overwork.

Medical assistance in dying and the meaning of care: Perspectives of nurses, pharmacists, and social workers

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) was legalized in Canada in 2016. While it has generated significant academic interest, the experiences of healthcare workers other than physicians remain understudied. This paper reports on a qualitative study of interprofessional Healthcare Providers (HCPs) involved in the provision of MAiD in order to: (1) characterize providers' views about the care they offer in general; (2) examine whether or not they consider MAiD a form of care; and (3) explore their reasons for viewing or not viewing MAiD as care. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with ten nurses, eight social workers, and three pharmacists with firsthand experience delivering MAiD at an academic hospital in Toronto, Canada. The study was approved by the hospital's REB. Written informed consent was obtained prior to participation. Codebook thematic analysis and template analysis generated four themes: (1) care as advocacy, (2) care as easing suffering, (3) care as psychosocial, and (4) care as relational. Every participant viewed MAiD as a form of care and drew on these four themes to authenticate MAiD as care. Participants consider MAiD a form of care for patients, families, other healthcare workers, and even themselves. In alternating and composite fashion, they describe MAiD in terms of autonomy, easing suffering, and a kind death for the dying (and those entrusted with their care)-a complex choreography of social discourses and moral logics that refuse to settle into a simple dichotomy of "choice versus care." Participants depict MAiD in many of the same terms and imagery they use to describe the care they offer in general. In light of ongoing social controversies surrounding MAiD, HCPs utilize a range of logics strategically to repel negative attention and enable their participation in what they see as a caring end for their patients.

The effects of adherence to professional identity, workplace aggression, and felt accountability on child protection workers' professional quality of life

BACKGROUND

Child protection workers (CPWs) are exposed to physical and psychological violence initiated by clients. The consequences associated with exposure to this type of trauma and others are compounded by the anxiety generated by the feelings of being accountable and the constant scrutiny and monitoring CPWs are under. Previous research suggests that acting according to one's professional values can help protect against the effects of trauma exposure and the anxiety associated with being held accountable when situations devolve into crises.

METHODS AND OBJECTIVES

Using path analysis, this study sought to investigate how this complex intersection between client aggression, felt accountability, and professional identity among 310 CPWs is related to their professional quality of life (ProQol).

RESULTS

Results show that adherence to professional identity was strongly and positively associated with ProQoL scores (β = -0.42, p < .001). Felt accountability and exposure to psychological violence (but no other forms of violence) were consistently and negatively related to ProQoL scores (β = -0.42, p < .001/β = -0.20, p < .001). The impact of felt accountability on ProQoL scores can be partially explained by lowered adherence to professional identity. This suggests that the current way CPWs are held accountable and evaluated comes at odds with their professional values.

CONCLUSION

The article ends with a discussion on how organizational changes surrounding accountability can be anxiety-inducing for some CPWs who increasingly feel overwhelmed by the complexity of their cases. Organizations must therefore reflect on how they can better embody the values of their clinicians.

Demographics, employment, and proximity to covid-19 as predictors of preparedness among Taiwanese health social workers

COVID-19 struck the world violently and cause negative psychological consequences on health professionals. The preparedness of social workers for the pandemic is critical while facing these challenges and pressures. The study aimed to explore what are the roles of demographic, employment, and proximity to Covid-19 in predicting preparedness for the next wave of COVID among social workers in Taiwan. A total of 158 participants were conveniently sampled and multiple regression, univariate analysis, and two-way ANOVA were conducted. The results demonstrated that the demographic and employment variables significantly predicted preparedness, and there were significant differences among demographics on preparedness and an interaction effect between seniority and age. Consequently, middle-aged social workers with junior seniority years may have more difficulties in their preparation for the current situation. The implication of our findings is also discussed.

"We are on the frontlines too": A qualitative content analysis of US social workers' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

Social work has been a part of the essential workforce historically and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, yet lack recognition. This work explores the experiences and invisibility of social workers within the pandemic response. Data are drawn from a large cross-sectional survey of US-based social worker from June to August of 2020. A summative content analysis of responses to the question 'What do you wish people knew about social work during the COVID-19 pandemic' was undertaken. Participants (n = 515) were majority white (72.1%) and female (90.8%). Seven coding categories were subsequently collapsed into three domains: (1) meeting basic needs, (2) well-being (emotional distress and dual role) and (3) professional invisibility (workplace equals, physical safety, professional invisibility and organisational invisibility). Meeting social needs requires broad-based policies that strengthen the health and social safety net. Social workers have and will continue to play a critical role in the response, and recovery from COVID-19. Organisational and governmental policies must expand to increase the visibility and responsiveness to the needs of social care providers.

Perception of Social Workers on the Psychosocial Issues of End-Stage Renal Disease Patients during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on the routine care of patients with chronic illnesses. Patients with existing conditions such as diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are more susceptible to COVID-19 and are likely to experience more severe illnesses. COVID-19 infection leads to adverse clinical outcomes, more severe disease, higher mortality, and poor prognosis in patients with chronic kidney disease. The patient and caregiver would be in extreme distress with the fear of getting infected from the frequent exposure. The present study attempts to explore the perception of social workers on the psychosocial issues of persons with End-Stage Renal Disease during the COVID-19 pandemic period by using social cognitive theory and the social-ecological model as theoretical frameworks. Our study followed a qualitative design that employed a thematic analysis approach. We conducted in-depth telephonic interviews with six social workers in the nephrology setting. Three theme categories emerged as per data analysis. The first was the social worker's perception of psychosocial issues of patients with End-Stage Renal Disease. The second theme was related to the emerging role of the social worker and the skills acquired during this period and the third theme was the challenges experienced and the resilience of social workers in the nephrology setting. The study shows that patients are in extreme distress as they are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and it also highlighted the significance of social work practice in the nephrology setting.