Social Workers perspectives on working in Australian general practice settings

Australia’s ageing population and rising chronic and mental health conditions increase pressure on the healthcare system. General Practitioners [GPs] manage increasingly complex health and social needs. Social workers help address social determinants through advocacy, support, and system navigation. Integration of social workers into general practice settings shows promise but requires sustainable models and further research. This study examined the benefits and challenges of embedding social workers into eight general practice settings in North Queensland. Using a sequential mixed-method design, data collection methods included a survey and interviews with social workers. Data analysis involved content analysis, descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings outline the dual mandate of social workers supporting clients while also supporting the clinic team in their practice, social work practice variations in each clinic context, identification of the importance of the ethical foundations and cultural responsiveness of practice and challenges and enablers to the integration of social work in general practice. The findings highlight that social work inclusion in Primary Health Care provided improved support for chronic, mental health, and vulnerable populations, but that structural barriers and funding limitations constrain broader implementation and transferability of social work in general practice.

Australian Social Work

Australian Social Work

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1447-0748

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