This inquiry investigated the phenomenon of 'staying' as a feature of the turnover, recruitment and retention of social workers in hospital settings. In the absence of specific literature on the subject, the study made a significant and original contribution to knowledge about social work staff turnover, including the meaning attached to work, the relationship of social workers to the hospital organisation, and to job satisfaction. Using qualitative methodology, data were collected from multiple sources including in-depth interviews at two large Sydney Teaching Hospitals, a period of engagement in each Social Work Department, a comprehensive review of primary data from archival records of the Directors of Social Work Services in Teaching Hospitals (NSW) between 1981-1999, and secondary source materials of federal and state health policy documents. Two core categories emerged from the study which were social workers 'tolerance' of the hospital environment and their qualities of 'selfactualisation'. Of central importance to the inquiry was the discovery of grounded theory which explained the relationship of these categories to the phenomenon of 'staying'. The intersection of 'tolerance' and 'self- actualisation' qualified 'staying' as either a positive or negative experience for the social worker and the hospital. This theory was presented as an original model which with further refinement, could be used as a predictive tool in studies of turnover of social workers in hospital settings. The findings challenged existing theories that staff retention was preferable to staff turnover in hospital organisations and identified qualities in hospital social workers which would ensure the continuing relevance of social work to the changing hospital environment. The model has implications for hospitals, Social Work Departments and for social work education in the preparation and training of social workers to join the hospital workforce. Specific activities that supported the 'self-actualisation' of social workers, and aspects of 'tolerance' were identified which worked for the benefit of both social workers and hospitals.

Hospital social work during the COVID-19 pandemic / Healthcare social workers have been on the front lines of the response to COVID-19 since its early days. With an upsurge of social isolation, unemployment, and grief and loss, social workers are being met with new challenges and are required to adapt to new and heightened demands of their roles – while also navigating their own fears and anxieties during the pandemic. While social workers attempt to manage increasing caseloads of complex patient needs, they must navigate the constrained context of their workplace and the changes in patient care. This study used qualitative methods to capture the lived experiences of healthcare social workers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, I used qualitative interviewing to explore the reflections of nine hospital social workers in Hamilton, Ontario regarding their experiences of wellness and wellbeing throughout the pandemic. My research identified three key themes: 1) lack of professional agency and power 2) moral injury, and 3) respect and care – organizational and among colleagues. In the discussion section I reflect on the implications of these findings for the practice of social work during and beyond pandemic times. / Thesis / Master of Social Work (MSW) / Healthcare social workers have been on the front lines of the response to COVID-19 since its early days. With an upsurge of social isolation, unemployment, and grief and loss, social workers are being met with new challenges and are required to adapt to new and heightened demands of their roles – while also navigating their own fears and anxieties during the pandemic. While social workers attempt to manage increasing caseloads of complex patient needs, they must navigate the constrained context of their workplace and the changes in patient care. This study used qualitative methods to capture the lived experiences of healthcare social workers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, I used qualitative interviewing to explore the reflections of nine hospital social workers in Hamilton, Ontario regarding their experiences of wellness and wellbeing throughout the pandemic. My research identified three key themes: 1) lack of professional agency and power 2) moral injury, and 3) respect and care – organizational and among colleagues. In the discussion section I reflect on the implications of these findings for the practice of social work during and beyond pandemic times.

Undocumented immigrants have historically been excluded from the medical care system. This study explored the attitudes and experiences of undocumented Latino immigrants when seeking medical services in the San Bernardino County. It aimed to share the stories of undocumented immigrants that often go untold and provide valuable insight into the needs and concerns of this population. The exploratory study utilized a qualitative approach through interviews. Data was collected through in person and over the phone interviews, which were then transcribed and analyzed using a constant comparative method. The findings of this study identified barriers and challenges faced by undocumented immigrants including a lack of equal access to healthcare, a lack of knowledge in navigating the healthcare system, stigma and discrimination, language, finances, culture, and fear. Both negative and positive experiences were shared, along with advice provided by participants for undocumented immigrants. This study carried important implications for medical professionals, agencies, and policy makers to better address the needs and concerns of undocumented patients. Research recommendations included implementing programs based off this study’s findings and exploring the attitudes and experiences of this population when seeking mental health services. Further research is encouraged to work towards dismantling the barriers faced by the undocumented immigrant population.

Thèse numérisée par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal.

Thèse numérisée par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal

Thesis "The health and social worker in cooperation with a multidisciplinary team in the care of chronically ill children "deals with the verification of the need and importance of multidisciplinary cooperation of the health and social worker with other professionals in the care of chronically ill children. The theoretical part deals with chronic ill children, its impact on the child and the family, describes the function of a health and social worker and other members of a multidisciplinary team with the aim of cooperation within a multidisciplinary team in the care of a chronically ill child. In the practical part, mutual cooperation is verified using the method of qualitative research, interview and case studies. The work is supplemented by a created relationship map of multidisciplinary cooperation in relation to a chronically ill child. Keywords Social worker in healthcare, multidisciplinary team, chronic ill child, hospital, social work, support, family, doctor, psychologist, therapist.

(in English): The aim of the diploma thesis is to map the form, development and direction of social work in the Central Military Hospital in Prague. In the theoretical part, the diploma thesis deals with the development of social work in the Central Military Hospital, as well as the role of the health and social worker, thein competencies and thein preconditions for the performance of social work in the hospital. The diploma thesis captures the methods of social work used in the Central Military Hospital in Prague and the scope of work of a health and social worker. The practical part of the work finds out how the participating social workers perceive, experience and evaluace the possibilities and processes of social work in ÚVN. This part of the diploma thesis is a qualitative research, carried out by semi-structured interview with persons who are directly involved in the performance of social work, supplemented by case studies.