Enhancing comprehensive in primary care: results of a cross-sectional survey of primary care social workers in Ontario, Canada

Social workers are key members of team-based, primary care and offer a wide range of health, mental health, and social well-being services to diverse communities. This study sought to clarify what is known about social work’s scope of practice in primary care settings across Ontario, Canada. A cross-sectional online survey was disseminated to primary care social workers across Ontario, Canada. The survey consisted of 45 items and included closed-ended and open-ended questions. Survey domains included practice characteristics, background on role, primary care context, structure of practice, clinical activities, and demographics. N = 159 social workers across Ontario healthcare regions and primary care settings completed the survey. Social workers reported working with individuals across the life span, and engaging in a range of practice activities primarily related to mental health and counselling. Frequent interactions were reported with other healthcare professionals including physicians and nurses. However, increased collaboration was recommended to improve patient care. Social workers provided insight into their caseloads, referral systems, wait times, and follow-up procedures. They highlighted how time spent with patients was context-dependent, and that currently used performance metrics may not always adequately capture the nuances of their work. Social workers collaborate with primary care teams to attend to a variety of community and patient needs, reflecting expertise in delivering health, mental health, and social well-being services. There is a need to develop best practices and guidelines for social work practice that optimizes care to communities while also promoting provider well-being.