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Summary
Social workers play a role in Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). To ensure their future in HMOs, social workers must engage in professional and political advocacy.
Area of Science:
- Social Work in Healthcare
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are a prevalent healthcare delivery model in the U.S.
- The integration and role of social workers within HMOs require examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent to which social workers are integral to the HMO healthcare delivery system.
- To identify the current role and potential future of social workers within HMOs.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted to gather data on the role of social workers in HMOs.
- Analysis of survey findings to understand social worker integration and impact.
Main Results:
- Social workers are present within the HMO system.
- The study highlights the need for social workers to actively define and assert their professional value.
Conclusions:
- The future of social workers in HMOs is contingent upon their proactive professional and political advocacy.
- Social workers must strategically position themselves to maintain and expand their roles in managed care settings.