Towards holistic social work practice in general medical settings.
This paper describes the development by field educators and social work students of a generalist model of practice related to work with general medical practitioners. The model developed outlines the values, knowledge and skills required to respond to the problems presented by intervening in a wide range of social systems. Effective social work practice is related to successful collaboration with the doctors. This is facilitated when there are close administrative links and when both groups are aware of the different perceptions on client/patient care. Conflict resolution is facilitated when the social worker encourages a focus on what is best for the client/patient and can articulate and demonstrate a practice perspective that links interaction among social, economic, political and health factors in people's lives.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010821:Physicians, Family; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012947:Social Work