6 Celebrating Allied Health Professionals
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024
Social workers play a key role in shaping policies that improve communities and help to ensure everyone has fair access to health and social services.
Considering social factors in a holistic approach to health
By Kristin Marand I n Manitoba, social workers play a vital role in providing support to individuals, families, and communities. The almost 3,000 social workers in the province provide a wide array of services, reflecting the profession’s evolution from its roots in poverty reduction to an academic discipline and reg- ulated profession. Today, social work covers areas like physical and mental health, substance abuse, corrections, child and family services, gerontology, employment and income assistance, education, and policy — all aimed at improving well-being for every- one. “Manitoba faces distinct challenges,” explains Barbara Temmerman, executive director of the Man- itoba College of Social Workers. “Given the diversity of Manitoba’s population, social work services must reflect the specific needs of urban, rural and remote communities, including Indigenous, immigrant and multicultural communities, as well as high rates of poverty, homelessness, and substance use.” Social workers in Manitoba provide case man- agement and direct clinical practice through a trau- ma-informed perspective, acknowledging how fac- tors like housing, food security, economic stability and systemic racism can dramatically impact health and wellbeing. They strive to promote health equity and social justice, seeking community-driven and collaborative solutions that that resonate with the unique perspectives of the communities they serve. “A social worker may become involved in some- one’s life through various pathways, such as during a crisis, through referrals from healthcare providers, or by an individual’s own request for support,” says Temmerman. “They support a diverse range of par- ticipants across various life stages and healthcare contexts. Their interventions are essential at criti-
cal points in the healthcare journey — whether it’s during acute crises, transitions in care, or ongoing support for chronic issues.” “In each instance, social workers bring an array of services designed to address a wide range of needs. They offer counseling, promote health, provide pa- tient education, and guide people through the maze of available resources. Working closely with health and social systems, they aim to deliver holistic care that meets individuals and families where they are.” The support that social workers offer can be a lifeline in turbulent times, providing intervention and guidance. As advocates for their clients, they ensure that individuals’ voices are heard in larger systems. Beyond these initial involvements, social workers also create coordinated care plans that ensure on- going support and continuity of care, helping clients connect with resources to sustain their progress, fostering resilience, and empowering participants to move forward. “Social workers play a crucial role on healthcare teams, bringing a holistic, patient-centred approach that extends beyond just medical treatment to ad- dress the full range of psychosocial needs,” Tem- merman says. “By focusing on social determinants of health, mental health support, patient advocacy, and care coordination, social workers help create an environment where patients experience better health outcomes and where healthcare systems are more equipped to manage complex cases effective- ly.” When professionals from various disciplines come together, they can provide comprehensive and coordinated care. This collaboration not only makes services more thorough but also more adaptable to each patient’s specific circumstances, addressing complex needs with greater depth and flexibility. “Social workers help bridge critical gaps in health- care, especially for underserved populations, en-
hancing access to services and advocating for health equity within communities,” Temmerman adds. “Their work ensures that care is continuous and considers the social, emotional, and economic dimensions of patients’ lives. This holistic, coordi- nated approach is essential to providing Manitobans with timely, high-quality healthcare that truly meets the needs of diverse populations.” Despite their crucial contributions, some miscon- ceptions linger about the role of social workers. Some view social workers merely as emotional sup- port providers who lack clinical training. This per- spective overlooks the comprehensive and integrat- ed role they play in personalized care. “Social work is a highly skilled and distinct pro- fession requiring extensive education, training, and ongoing professional development,” Temmerman says. “Social workers are uniquely qualified, core members of interprofessional healthcare teams, providing essential expertise and services that im- prove care coordination, patient engagement, and health outcomes. Social workers bring unique skills that complement those of other healthcare pro- fessionals. They play an integral role in promoting holistic, patient-centred care, addressing health from all angles, and enhancing the effectiveness of healthcare teams.” Social workers play an essential role in shaping policies and developing programs that improve our communities. They are dedicated advocates for so- cial justice and human rights, ensuring everyone has fair access to health and social services. Through a holistic approach that addresses the social factors that affect health, social workers improve patient outcomes, enhance care coordination, and reduce hospital readmissions. Their efforts not only benefit individuals but also lead to improved access to care, cost savings for healthcare systems and contribute to healthier communities overall.
Working closely with health and social systems, social workers aim to deliver holistic care that meets individuals and families where they are.
— Barbara Temmerman, executive director of the Manitoba College of Social Workers
Social works support a diverse range of participants across various life stages and healthcare contexts.
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