The use of illustrations to explore social work students’ perceptions of interprofessional teams

ABSTRACT

Social workers often practice within interprofessional teams, yet few research studies have examined social work students’ perceptions of their role on these teams using a visual methodology such as illustrations and illustration descriptions. This qualitative study aimed to understand 1) What are social work students’ perceptions of their role on interprofessional teams? 2) What are social work students’ perceptions of the different members involved in interprofessional teams? 3) What are social work students’ perceptions of how interprofessional team members work together? Analysis of the illustrations and illustration descriptions from twenty-six advanced year MSW students from one southeastern university in the United States suggests that many perceived their role as considering the client/family in decision making. In terms of team membership, half of the students depicted clients being involved, and most drew other professionals with a focus on health-related professionals. Students also drew a range of ways team members work together, such as in meetings at tables or in client rooms or talking to each other. Findings from this study have implications for social work education, particularly in relation to interprofessional collaboration, leadership, understanding students’ mental models of interprofessional teams, and client-centered care.

KEYWORDS:

• Social work role
• illustrations
• interprofessional teams
• mental models
• interprofessional collaboration
• client

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number [M01HP31378] for a project entitled Rural Interprofessional Behavioral Health Scholars (RIBHS) Program. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

Notes on contributors

Aidyn L. Iachini

Aidyn L. Iachini is an Associate Professor and Interim Associate Dean for Research and Faculty in the College of Social Work at the University of South Carolina.

Tasha M. Childs

Tasha M. Childs is a doctoral candidate in the College of Social Work at the University of South Carolina.

Melissa C. Reitmeier

Melissa R. Reitmeier is a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Field Education in the College of Social Work at the University of South Carolina.

Teri A. Browne

Teri A. Browne is an Associate Professor and Interim Dean in the College of Social Work at the University of South Carolina.

L. Bailey King

L. Bailey King is a Project Coordinator in the College of Social Work at the University of South Carolina.