Objectives: Public health social work practice is being greatly affected by the globalization process. Effective practice requires understanding of the interrelated nature and the health consequences of domestic and international dimensions of policies and actions. As a result, professionals face new challenges. For example, they may be called upon to work with immigrant population on accessing health care and/or provide expert services on public health issues to countries affected by civil wars. Where will globalization lead public health social work in the 21st century? How will students be prepared for the changes? Will there be increasing collaboration between public health and social work schools?
Methods: This paper presents a conceptual structural model that can guide social work practice curriculum development. This multidisciplinary model incorporates public health, and political as well as social work perspectives. It is applied systematically to educational needs, available research, field placement, and outcome-focussed service delivery.
Results: The public health social work curriculum must be changed (1) to raise awareness of the growing interrelationship between domestic and international social problems, (2) to ensure shared global accountability and responsibility for these problems, (3) to encourage interdisciplinary fieldwork placements, and (4) to use information technologies and research skills so that practice can be as effective as possible.
Conclusions: Social work education must go beyond multiculturalism. Drawing upon a variety of disciplines, it must emphasize both positive and negative effects of globalization upon practice and policy matters alike.
Learning Objectives: The participants will (1) become more aware of critical global public health issues, (2) recognize their implications for public health social work practice, and (3) learn to connect coursework, training, and research for improving practice skills to address those issues.
Keywords: Public Health Curriculum, Social Work Roles
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.