When is it social work? Another look at practice with groups in health care

It has been observed that there are problems in the conceptual base of social workers' practice with groups in health settings. This article suggests that to develop a sound conceptual base and to improve the integration of work with groups into the operating structures for delivering social work services in health care, it is necessary to distinguish social work groups from other groups. Criteria for social work practice with groups are identified. Criteria are based on fundamental principles of social work practice in health care and principles of social work practice differentiated to take account of group processes.