Elaine Jurkowski, PhD, School of Social Work, Southern Illinois University, Quigley 4, M/C 4329, Carbondale, IL 62901, (618) 453-2243, etjurkow@siu.edu, Charla J. Lautar, PhD, Health Care Professions, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, M/C 6615, Carbondale, IL 62901, and Tsukasa Okino, MSW, Rehabiliation Institute, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, M/C 4329, Carbondale, IL 62901.

A variety of sources including Healthy People 2010 recommend multidisciplinary collaboration. Hence, we asked the question: “Does professional academic preparation make a difference in perceptions and confidence for service delivery and collaborative interdisciplinary practice?” PURPOSE: This study investigated the differences in the perceptions regarding various health issues and multidisciplinary practice among groups of social work and dental hygiene students. METHODS: A survey was developed which addressed perceptions of respondents in areas related to access to care, service planning and referral options with social work and dental hygiene students. RESULTS: ANOVA testing suggests that there were differences in perceptions between various levels of BSW and MSW students. T-test differences between means suggest that there were differences between social work and dental hygiene students’ perceptions on a variety of items. Social work students had higher mean scores on items related to information and referral sources and aged clients, but neither group felt comfortable referring homebound or disabled clients. There were no differences between the groups on items related to behavioral and mental health items but social work students scored lower on general and oral health items. The thematic analysis of the open ended questions revealed that there is a limited understanding about the breadth of responsibilities encompassed for both social workers and dental hygienists. CONCLUSION: These groups need to understand each other roles and relevance of each discipline’s contribution in one’s overall health. These finding suggest that the need to develop strategies for multidisciplinary collaboration is critical in the academic preparation process.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will understand

• the need for collaborative roles between social work case managers and allied health professionals.
• the differences in perceptions between professional groups such as social work case managers and allied health professionals.
• some recommendations for curriculum implementation to adequately prepare the workforce for multidisciplinary integrated care.

Keywords: Social Work Roles, Access to Health Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Handout (.ppt format, 70.0 kb)