 |
Social workers are well aware of the effect of social determinants on patients’ health; social determinants can undermine the effectiveness of treatments. One way to address this problem has been the creation of medical-legal partnerships—collaborative arrangements in which legal professionals are embedded in health care organizations to address the unmet social, civil, and legal needs of patients.
This month’s E-News Exclusive features new research on the effectiveness of medical-legal partnerships in addressing social determinants and ultimately improving health outcomes.
We welcome your comments at SWTeditor@gvpub.com. Visit our website at www.SocialWorkToday.com, like our Facebook page; and follow us on Twitter.
— Marianne Mallon, editor |
 |
 |
Medical-Legal Partnerships Can Promote Health Equity
Research published by the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership (NCMLP) at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health in Washington, DC, shares how more than 300 hospitals, health centers, and clinics across the United States are using legal services to address patients’ unmet social needs. The research, published in Health Affairs, is part of the journal’s issue on advancing health equity; it highlights different approaches health care organizations take to implement medical-legal partnerships that place civil legal aid professionals into the health care setting to treat issues—e.g., housing, access to insurance, and stable guardianship—that drive health inequities.
The researchers drew on national survey findings and field research to identify multiple models for delivering legal services in clinical settings. They found that different health care organizations—from pediatric primary care clinics serving low-income neighborhoods to health centers with highly specialized programs for complex, chronic conditions—adapt medical-legal partnership services to meet the specific needs of their patients.
“For years, pilot studies have shown the extreme promise of medical-legal partnership to address some of patients’ most seemingly intractable social problems,” says Marsha Regenstein, PhD, a professor of health policy and management at Milken Institute School of Public Health and director of research for NCMLP. “What this research illustrates is that medical-legal partnership is a flexible intervention and that health care is figuring out a variety of different ways to leverage it to best serve the needs of different patient populations.”
Full Story » |
|
 |
| We’ll be exhibiting at NatCon18, hosted by the National Council for Behavioral Health, in National Harbor, MD, from April 23–25. Stop by Booth #837 to get a FREE subscription, talk with our editor, or pick up a copy of our latest issue! |
 |
|
|
 |
Virtual Reality: An Escape From Painful and Stressful Medical Treatments
Virtual reality (VR) technology allows users to immerse themselves in a three-dimensional computer-generated world, and, despite being originally developed as an entertainment tool, VR has found a variety of applications in health care over the last two decades. Among these applications, which include treatment of phobias and anxiety disorders, cognitive and physical rehabilitation, pain management, treatment of eating disorders and obesity, surgical training, and aid in surgical planning and performance, VR has shown promise in several clinical trials assessing its possible utility as a distraction tool to alleviate pain and distress during medical procedures.
A review article, recently published in The Clinical Journal of Pain, provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical studies using VR during several painful and stressful medical procedures, including burn injury treatments, chemotherapy, surgery, dental treatment, and other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Read more » |
|
 |
Have
a product, service, or educational program you want to market to social work professionals,
or an open position that you need to fill quickly? Social
Work Today offers many flexible advertising
programs designed to maximize your results. From print advertising
to e-newsletter sponsorships, website advertising to direct
mail opportunities, Social Work Today helps achieve your goals. Email our experienced
account executives today for more information or call 800-278-4400!
Coming up in our September/October 2018 issue is our Education Spotlight. Email a sales representative to be part of this unique advertising opportunity.
AlliedHealthCareers.com is the premier online resource to recruit social work professionals.
Post your open positions, view résumés, and showcase your facility's
offerings all at AlliedHealthCareers.com! |
|
|
|
 |
Predictive Analytics in Child Welfare — Benefits and Challenges
Predictive risk modeling is a relatively new tool that is helping to refine the decision-making process in investigating child abuse and neglect claims, but further development is needed. Read more »
The Continued Growth of Telemental Health
Social Work Today explores the expansion of telemental health and how it is changing the behavioral health landscape. Read more » |
 |
 |
| Social workers care about their clients, but rarely do they have time to care about themselves. Show yourself a little appreciation with field-inspired gear from our Gift Shop. We've got the perfect item for every situation from busy days in the office to at-home visits. Check out our secure online shop today or call toll-free 877-809-1659 for easy and fast ordering. |
|
 |
Shortage of Psychiatrists Linked to Lack of Federal Funding
According to NPR, a severe shortage of psychiatrists across the United States is making it increasingly difficult for people with mental illness to get treatment. Shrinking federal funds for mental health services share some of the blame.
People With Disabilities Prove Their Value in Today’s Labor Market
USA Today reports that with the low unemployment rate making it harder for employers to hire and retain workers, more are hiring Americans with disabilities who had long struggled to find jobs.
Suicide Among Black Children Increasing With Researchers Unclear Why
According to the Chicago Tribune, suicides among U.S. black children under 18 are up 71% in the past decade based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and researchers are unsure of the reasons for the increase. |
|
 |
Social Work Today's CE program offers social workers the opportunity to earn CEs from the comfort of their homes or offices.
Visit www.SocialWorkTodayCE.com today and join the thousands of professionals from across the country who already have taken advantage of this great program.
Simply read an issue of the magazine and complete the online exam. Most issue exams will earn 2 CE credits! PLUS, you have the opportunity to earn CE credits from past issues, too! |
|
|
