Defining the micro and macro roles of a hemophilia treatment center social worker in the United States from an interdisciplinary team perspective

Abstract

Introduction The social worker (SW) role in the Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) is complex and broad, providing direct support, spanning across micro, mezzo and macro levels of care. Aim Research demonstrates discrepancy between actual and ideal SW roles among the HTC SW community. Soliciting perceptions from HTC staff about the SW role can provide a deeper understanding of this discrepancy and improve collaboration amongst care team members in meeting the psychosocial needs of HTC patients. Methods Funded by the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF), a national online survey was conducted in 2020 to determine the views and attitudes of what the SW role is by HTC staff. Separate surveys were emailed to active HTC SWs and staff to collect anonymous data. Demographics of SWs gathered included age, education, years of practice, full time equivalent (FTE) status, and caseload. All disciplines were asked questions about perceptions, barriers, and potential ways to enhance and strengthen the SW role within HTCs. Results Results demonstrated that subcategory‐oriented questions (40 in total) and qualitative responses highlighted diverse viewpoints and offered clarity about these differences. Conclusion Findings indicated most HTC staff value the multi‐faceted role of SW at their centres, and both groups identified time, limited resources, and role confusion as barriers to utilizing SW services. Outcomes will inform the development of a “standards of practice” tool that will provide education for HTC staff, patients, and families, and serve as an empowerment tool for SW to highlight their skillset and define their role.

A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring the Educational Experiences of Foster Youth and Foster Parents During COVID-19

“…Beyond managing truancy, which is the typical role for social workers in schools, social workers can provide therapies and play a vital role in improving communication between foster parents, youth, and teachers (Frauenholtz et al, 2015 ) and improving the well-being of youth in foster care (Zavalza, 2021 ). Social workers in interdisciplinary health care teams often function as a communication facilitator between patients and medical staff, going so far as to be described as the “glue” that holds the patient, nurses, doctors and staff together or as the “oil” that keeps the machinery of health care running (Bartlett et al, 2002 , p. 4). Likewise, social workers could function of being the point of communication in educational teams since educational systems are similar in complexity of roles and functions to medicine.…”