Social Work in Health Care is delighted to introduce part II of the special issue dedicated to Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and Practice Innovation. These special issues aim to bridge the gap between research and practice by providing examples, templates, interventions, and knowledge that can elevate the role of social work in addressing SDOH. In this issue, we have carefully curated articles to provide insights into innovative practices applicable across various healthcare settings, ultimately contributing to the well-being of society. These articles underscore the importance and urgency for the health social work field to continue these efforts, studies, research and case examples, recognizing the profound impact of SDOH on individuals, families, and our healthcare system. These articles serve as illuminating examples of the capabilities inherent in our profession as social workers. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the authors for their extraordinary contributions.
In our various roles as practitioners, advocates, researchers, leaders, and educators, social workers are consistently challenged by how to bridge the gap between research and practice.
While healthcare social work researchers and clinicians have significantly contributed to the knowledge of SDOH and have long been leaders in expanding the research and practice literature on this social issue, there is growing acknowledgment that there may be a need to shift focus toward providing more evidence-based social work intervention research. In the realm of direct practice, healthcare social workers frequently find themselves tasked with assisting clients in overcoming various barriers, including housing instability, food insecurity, substance use, financial toxicity, low health literacy, and other social determinants contributing to inequity. However, these practitioners often face constraints in terms of time and opportunities to measure outcomes and generate evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of their interventions. Now, more than ever, the social work profession needs to actively bridge the gap between social work research and practice. This special issue attempts to help inform researchers with cutting-edge practice innovations and help those practitioners seeking new models of practice.
There is a pressing need to increase awareness regarding innovative and effective social work practices, advancing our profession and positioning social workers as leaders in the integration of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) principles into health care social work practice. This challenge is particularly complicated for healthcare social workers, given that their practice settings operate within a healthcare system predominantly centered on medical interventions, traditionally assigning lesser importance to addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH). Navigating this complexity, healthcare social workers employ advocacy and innovative practices that emphasize a more holistic and integrated approach to health care.
The article titled “The Social Determinants of Health, Social Work, and Dental Patients: A Case Study,” illuminates effective interprofessional collaborations between schools of social work and schools of dentistry. Through a compelling case example, the article provides data and a template for enhancing social worker collaboration with oral health to mitigate issues stemming from social determinants. The presented model holds promise for replication in diverse practice settings, emphasizing a “no wrong door” approach to reaching individuals in healthcare. This approach showcases the myriad opportunities social work has to connect with people, particularly those affected by SDOH, influencing interprofessional collegial education and practice, and providing expert SDOH assessments at entry points in health care systems.
The article,” Social Workers Roles in Achieving Health Quality Metrics in Primary Care: A Quality Improvement Case Study,” unveils an innovative program showcasing how social workers methodically plan, implement, and document interventions that engage clients, address needs beyond physical health concerns, and assist a family practice department in addressing gaps toward value-based care. The model presented by this social work-led team intervention not only has the potential to elevate the role of social work in primary care but also addresses unmet needs of clients in a crucial community-based setting of practice.
The article, “Communication is Key: At-Risk Families’ Perspectives on Follow-Up in New Jersey’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program,” plays a pivotal role in delineating the significance of health social workers within the realm of care for newborns experiencing potential hearing loss. Focusing on clients at risk of delayed or missed follow-up experiences related to infant hearing concerns, the study identifies barriers that can be pinpointed as potential intervention points to enhance the capacity of families and healthcare providers to address the needs of infants. In addition to shedding light on an under-researched area, this study provides a blueprint applicable across diverse health care settings, highlighting the inherent value of social work services.
Concluding our exploration, the manuscript titled “Social Workers are Key to Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Integrated Care Settings” provides a comprehensive overview of the critical role of social work in integrated health care settings. Emphasizing their extensive history in understanding SDOH and commitment to social justice, the article advocates for increased research to measure the prevalence of social work interventions in this context, highlighting existing gaps in the research literature. It emphasizes the need for further evidence to substantiate the effectiveness of social workers in integrated care locations addressing the SDOH of clients. The implications outlined in the article stress the importance for social work to incorporate this knowledge into interprofessional training, reinforcing the case for the effectiveness of social workers in integrated care settings.
It is our hope that these types of publications spur continued opportunities and interest among practitioners to share their practice innovation with a wider audience, including the research community, that can help build and validate much-needed new and innovative practice models that meet the changing healthcare environment of today.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).