valuating Research

valuating Research

Evaluating Research

Social Work’s Role in Medicaid Reform: A Qualitative Study

Bachman, S. S., Wachman, M., Manning, L., Cohen, A. M., Seifert, R. W., Jones, D. K., Fitzgerald, T., Nuzum, R., & Riley, P. (2017). Social work’s role in Medicaid reform: A qualitative study. American Journal of Public Health, 107(S3), S250–S255. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2017.304002

The main objective of this research paper is to analyze the role of social work in the Medicaid reform. The Affordable Health Care Act’s primary focus is to ensure that all the U.S. citizens can receive necessary healthcare with the lowest costs to improve the health of the entire population. Social workers have expansive opportunities in the implementation of the act despite the current challenges in its execution. Currently, there is lack of research conducted on the role and involvement of social workers in health reforms, such as Medicaid. In the United States, data collection was performed through semi-structured interviews with approximately 46 key stakeholders in 10 states that have already implemented various Medicaid approaches. Participants were identified through purposive and snowball sampling while their responses were later analyzed through qualitative methods.

The key findings of the study indicate that most social workers participate in Medicaid reforms through clinical practice, especially in the processes of care coordination as well as case management. However, there exists a significant gap between social work at the practice level and the system level in terms of innovation. At the system level, there is a massive lack of clarity on the role of social work, resources, and visibility in the professional organizations operating across sampled states. Additionally, the existing social workers need current training to enhance health transformation when it comes to policy and payment models in healthcare.

The study concludes that social workers have an essential role to play as they possess special skills required in building health systems that promote population’s health as well as reduce the health inequities that exist across the United States. There is a range of opportunities for social workers involved in the implementation of Medicaid reforms; however, there is minimal or no participation of social workers, especially at the system level across the states. The data collected are accurate and objective as they cover the key territories where Medicaid reforms are implemented. The study participants are spread across the states; thus, all the stakeholders are involved in the implementation of the healthcare reform which proves the relevance of the topic and key findings.

How to Integrate Social Care Services into Primary Health Care?

Montazeri, A., Riazi-Isfahani, S., & Damari, B. (2016). How to integrate social care services into primary health care? An experience from Iran. Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 30, 408.

Globally, most countries have social issues that generally affect the physical and mental health of their citizens. For this reason, most organizations providing social care services have specific target populations. The main focus of this research paper is to explore the leading roles as well as the functions of the primary health care (PHC) systems in providing their respective services to Iranians. Data collection during the study was done through literature reviews, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews with the key stakeholders and experts identified. The main objective of this study is to determine how social care can be fully integrated into the PHC system in Iran. Later, the convectional analysis was conducted to explore the data collected. Approximately 20 experts and stakeholders were interviewed, and the data were classified into priority, requirements, stewardship, and implementation categories.

The main challenge during the study was the fact that there were existing controversies in the essential definition of social care, disintegration of the unit, and low financing of social services. Both rural and urban health facilities received basic social care services. The study concludes that Iran has succeeded in the establishment of the PHC system, especially in rural areas. However, there is a need for reforms in the PHC structure, increased technical collaborations, and macro support. In my opinion, the data collected during the study are inadequate, as only 20 experts and stakeholders were interviewed across the whole country. It is just a small percentage of the population in such a diverse country as Iran. As noted above, I believe data are biased as these experts provide a different understanding of social care and its relevance to the healthcare system.

Health Outcomes and Costs of Social Work Services: A Systematic Review

Steketee, G., Ross, A. M., & Wachman, M. K. (2017). Health outcomes and costs of social work services: A systematic Review. American Journal of Public Health, 107(S3), S256–S266. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2017.304004.

Social workers play an essential role in the healthcare system in the United States, especially in the cost containment domain. The main objective of the study is to systematically review various international studies conducted on the effects of social work health services and their economic outcomes. Four databases were selected to examine 16 full-text reviews, which involved approximately 16,000 participants covering key populations. The results of the study indicated positive effects on the utilization of cost-savings and social services across the country. There was vital variability in the study methods and the cost analyses of the studies that were reviewed.

Finally, the use of ethical data is an ethical practice itself. However, a researcher has to weigh the risks and benefits that come with using secondary data in a study. For instance, it reduces the burden of respondents and ensures the replicability of the study findings, which creates necessary transparency in the research procedures adopted and the overall integrity of the research study (Tripathy, 2013). At the same time, secondary poses the risk of disclosure of sensitive information of the respondents. To prevent this issue, researchers must de-identify data before they are released and obtain the consent of the study respondents. It is important to note that outcomes of the data analysis should not in any way allow re-identifying of the study participants. Additionally, the use of secondary data must not result in any damage or distress of the study respondents.

References

Steketee, G., Ross, A. M., & Wachman, M. K. (2017). Health outcomes and costs of social work services: A systematic review. American Journal of Public Health, 107(S3), S256–S266. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2017.304004

Tripathy, J. P. (2013). Secondary data analysis: Ethical issues and challenges. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 42(12), 1478.

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