Thriving in today's health care environment: strategies for social work leadership in population health
Dobrof, J.; Bussey, S.; Muzina, K.
Social Work in Health Care 58(6): 527-546
2019
ISSN/ISBN: 0098-1389 PMID: 31002293 DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2019.1602099Document Number: 276232
The current healthcare environment challenges social workers to balance multiple constituencies - organizational, payer-related, and professional - and convey the value-added nature of clinical work with patients and families. As healthcare systems move towards population health, leadership opportunities abound. This article provides an historical overview of healthcare transformation and its impact on social work practice, and describes strategies implemented to bolster the clinical focus and organizational responsiveness of Mount Sinai Health System care management staff. The training and supervisory approaches offered make possible relatable and synergistic connections between clinical practice and organizational imperatives to decrease unnecessary utilization and healthcare costs.