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Conceptualizing public heath social work for global health practice: Findings from a qualitative study
An emerging evidence-base underscores the importance of inter-professional approaches in the growing global health movement. (Merson, Black & Mills, 2012) Despite social work’s historic involvement in international social development, little is known about the profession’s role in advancing global health. Public health social work (PHSW), with its strong emphasis on community-based prevention and population approaches, is an especially relevant model for global health practice and holds promise for increasing social work’s international impact.
Methods
To better understand the experiences of PHSW practitioners in global health, five MSW/MPH students undertook a qualitative study of global health-focused alumni and current students at one northeastern MSW/MPH program. Data was collected through a two-hour focus group and 20 structured telephone interviews. Interview questions focused on educational preparation, career trajectory and professional experiences. All conversations were recorded, transcribed and analyzed for themes using traditional qualitative methods.
Findings
The following themes emerged: the ongoing need to define and promote the unique value of PHSW to the global health field and the importance of international experience in launching a global health career. Respondents suggested methods for improving MSW/MPH education including specific coursework in PHSW for global health and global health field internships.
Summary
PHSW has important contributions to make to global health, including expertise in community-based empowerment, ethical and cultural responsiveness, and ecological approaches. However, MSW/MPH graduates need additional opportunities to develop necessary competencies for global health practice, including international internships and dedicated coursework. Specific suggestions for strengthening global health education within MSW/MPH programs are included.
Learning Areas:
Other professions or practice related to public healthPublic health or related education
Learning Objectives:
Describe and define public health social work's potential for inter-professional collaboration in global health.
Analyze the experiences and career trajectories of public health social workers engaged in global health practice.
Identify the specific opportunities and challenges associated public health social work's role in global health.
Formulate recommendations for the education of public health social work professionals preparing to work in the global health arena.
Keyword(s): International Health, Social Work
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I was a Public Health Social Work in Global Health Fellow in 2013 at Boston University; I co-led the research effort for this project. I am an International Health concentrator at Boston University School of Public Health.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.