Social work services in family practice

The physician-social worker team in family practice offers potential benefits to both physician and patient. A demonstration of such attachments in Kingston, Ontario involved the equivalent of 3.5 fulltime social workers and 41 physicians. Social work services were provided to each participating physician for approximately half a day per week. Physicians used the service extensively, referring 630 patients over 24 months for a wide range of problems. Physicians evaluated the services favorably and the study shows social worker attachments to be feasible in the primary care setting.