Making the Invisible Visible: Are Health Social Workers Addressing the Social Determinants of Health?

Abstract

This study explored the ways in which health social workers (HSW) address the social determinants of health (SDH) within their social work practice. Social workers (n = 54) employed at major hospitals across Toronto had many years of practice in health care (M = 11 years; SD = 10.32) and indicated that SDH were a top priority in their daily work; with 98% intentionally intervening with at least one and 91% attending to three or more. Health care services were most often addressed (92%), followed by housing (72%), disability (79%), income (72%), and employment security (70%). Few HSW were tackling racism, Aboriginal status, gender, or social exclusion in their daily practice.

Keywords:

• hospital social work
• social work
• social determinants of health
• medical social work
• health and social care

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the inspired social workers from Toronto Western Hospital, The Hospital for Sick Children, St. Michaels Hospital, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University Health Network, and the Ontario Association of Social Workers for sharing their time and insight with us.