Moving Toward Integrated Health: An Opportunity for Social Work

Abstract

With the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and ongoing health care reform efforts, this is a critical time for the social work profession. The approaches and values embedded in health care reform are congruent with social work. One strategy is to improve care for people with co-morbid and chronic illnesses by integrating primary care and behavioral health services. This paper defines integrated health and how the PPACA promotes integrated health care through system redesign and payment reform. We consider how social workers can prepare for health care reform and discuss the implications of these changes for the future of the profession.

Cultural competence in healthcare in the community: A concept analysis

“…For example, due consideration given to the client's diet, customs and traditions demonstrates understanding of clients' cultural needs (Foronda, 2008). An understanding healthcare provider is aware of the impact of culture on attitudes, expressions of distress and help-seeking behaviour and can negotiate their way in various belief systems (Ishikawa et al, 2014;Kleiman, 2006;Majumdar et al, 2004;Stanhope, Videka, Thorning & McKay, 2015). A healthcare provider must not only understand the influence of a client's experiences on them, but convey that understanding as well (Foronda, 2008).…”

Integrative health care - Toward a common understanding: A mixed method study

“…in 19 of the 28 definitions of IHC) was the combining of complementary and conventional medicine. 23,[49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66] Two variations of this theme were evident: one focussing on the tools of the trade (e.g. "integrating the safest and most effective of conventional and CAM therapies" 62 ; and "mak[ing] use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative") 53 ; and the other on the providers of services (e.g.…”

Associations of multiplicity of comorbid health conditions, serious mental illness, and health care costs

“…Further, the structural integration of primary care and behavioral health services are supported by the Affordable Care Act initiatives for patient-centered medical home and health home projects for Medicare and Medicaid (Druss & Mauer, 2010). Health homes targeting the Medicaid population with two or more chronic conditions or a severe mental illness allow for integrated models outside of primary care locations (Stanhope, Videka, Thorning, & McKay, 2015).…”