Social Work Placements in General Practice Expansion Project - Final Report

Executive Summary: This North Queensland Primary Health Network [NQPHN] funded research project is transforming the landscape of primary healthcare by embedding social work into General Practice clinics. The aims of this research were two-fold. First, this research project aimed to document and evaluate social work practice in General Practice and its outcomes. Second, the research aimed to explore funding pathways for social work practice in General Practice and develop an advocacy strategy. An advisory group supported the project to provide expert input and advice. Members included social work students, social workers, General Practitioners [GPs], health and allied health workers and GP training specialists. The quarterly advisory group meetings supported the project by gathering ideas and seeking feedback and insights gained from the evaluation. Data collection was five- fold and involved information gathering about social work interventions and the evaluation of the project. Data collection involved surveys, feedback forms, document analysis and interviews. For the evaluation of the project, key stakeholders [GPs, administration staff, nurses, social workers, social work placement students, supervisors, and practice managers] were invited to complete an online survey using Qualtrics software survey exploring the benefits, enablers, challenges and outcomes of social work practice for social work practice in GP. Patient feedback forms were distributed, collected and analysed. Following quantitative data collection, interviews were conducted with social workers practising in the General Practice settings. The data analysis shows that the clinics were benefiting from the improved patient care by social workers. The findings underscore the importance of collaboration between social workers and GPs to create sustainable, integrated care models that address the complex needs of patients. The project identified challenges—such as role clarity, sustainable funding, and referral pathways—and enablers of imbedding social work in general practice setting, including patient centred care, interprofessional respect between disciplines and supportive infrastructure. Moving forward, the findings point to the need for ongoing funding, interprofessional education, and consistent frameworks that embed social work as a core part of team-based primary care in general practice. These efforts highlight the potential of social work to enrich primary healthcare, making it more holistic, patient-centred, responsive, and effective. By advocating for the inclusion of social work in General Practice settings, we are paving the way for a more comprehensive and compassionate primary healthcare system.

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