title: The future of health social work.
abstract: The practice of social work in health care is at a critical juncture, and laces an uncertain future. The authors provide an overview of the challenges facing social work practice within the health care setting, as well as recommendations for enhancing social work practice and education. Challenges discussed include economic factors, demographic changes, and technological advances influencing the practice of social work in health care. The need for a proactive stance among social work professionals and educators is promoted. The proposed changes are intended to stimulate discussion and an exchange of ideas needed to maintain Social Work's relevance and integrity in the evolving health care delivery system.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, University of Maryland, 525 West Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
authors.forename: Edward V
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Pecukonis
authors.forename: Llewellyn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cornelius
authors.forename: Margarete
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Parrish
mesh_terms: D003254:Consumer Advocacy; D005192:Family Health; D005544:Forecasting; D005826:Genetics, Medical; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D008605:Mental Health Services; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D011315:Preventive Medicine; D011600:Psychopharmacology; D012947:Social Work / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends*; D014481:United States