Integrating social workers in Australian primary health care settings

Purpose This study aims to explore the scope and practice of social workers in Australian general practice and evaluate the outcomes of social work practice in these settings. Design/methodology/approach Primary health care centres in North Queensland participated in this research. Six clinics were co-funded to employ social workers for a one-year period. Quantitative data collection was utilised via a Qualtrics survey tool to collect descriptive data about social work interventions and seek patient feedback about the social work intervention received. Patient demographics, intervention duration, areas of health, intervention, referral and referral profession information were measured. Patient feedback forms explored satisfaction rates, likelihood of return and sense of improved well-being. Findings Social workers in primary health care settings applied a broad range of interventions to address diverse patient needs across a spectrum of health domains, including mental health, chronic health, families, ageing, caring, housing and disability. Patients were highly satisfied with the services and valued the integration of social work in primary health care. Originality/value This study showed Social Workers can value-add to primary health care. Social workers responded to many areas of identified health care needs through a range of intervention relevant to patients’ complex social contexts, assisting general practitioners’ engagement with patients to achieve holistic well-being outcomes. Patients appreciated and valued the additional services to support their health needs. Using social workers to contribute to health assessments can open up conversations about social determinants that impact patients’ health and wellbeing while alleviating pressures on general practitioners and providing links to community services.