Social work students explore role in healthcare through interprofessional learning
Vicki Verge, Faculty of Social Work
This fall, a cohort of social work students participated in an interprofessional learning experience with the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. This event emphasized the importance of social work practice in addressing the intersection of individuals and their environments in healthcare settings.
During the event, a screening of Falling Through the Cracks: Greg’s Story, depicted the tragic death of Greg Price and highlighted systemic issues in healthcare, including the need for improved communication.
“‘Greg’s Wings’ provided a meaningful learning experience for students, particularly in the context of healthcare collaboration and the challenges faced within this system,” said Vicki Verge, Instructor and Faculty-Field Liaison, Faculty of Social Work.
Greg’s story highlights the important role of social workers in promoting client-centered, relationship-based care. According to Ferguson et al. (2020), social work practices emphasize building strong relationships between healthcare practitioners and clients to achieve holistic health and psychosocial outcomes.
“The insights gained from the film and discussions align with the definition of social work as a practice-based, relationship-centered profession, where effective change hinges on these connections,” said Vicki.
Students reflected on systemic flaws and the importance of teamwork through panel discussions and small group dialogues. The event introduced the Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative (CIHC) Competency Framework, which outlines key domains, such as Role Clarification, Team Communication, and Collaborative Leadership, crucial for effective teamwork in healthcare. By emphasizing collaborative, relationship-focused care, the event aimed to foster a deeper understanding of how professionals can work together to improve patient care and outcomes as discussed in Gilbert et al. (2010).
“Interprofessional education (IPE) in health sciences programs is important as it allows students from different colleges and programs to learn with, from and about one another. IPE intends to prepare future healthcare professionals with fundamental skills necessary to navigate complex environments, where teamwork, respect, and shared decision-making are emphasized,” said Vladan Protudjer, Interim Director and College of Nursing Lead, Office of Interprofessional Collaboration, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.
“By learning together, the goal is for students to, among other things, develop shared knowledge, improve communication skills, and understand each other’s roles within a healthcare team, which are important collaborative skills. Each profession/discipline often offers a unique lens through which a person’s situation is viewed, therefore highlighting the importance of a holistic, team-based care. This collaborative, person-centred approach may reduce errors, enhance safety and improve care outcomes,” said Vladan.
Social workers are integral to healthcare teams, addressing complex and multifaceted issues such as mental health, substance use, family dynamics, and social determinants of health, which affect clients’ physical and emotional well-being. Their understanding of the interplay between social, emotional, and psychological factors is critical to improving health outcomes as noted in Celebrating Allied Health Professionals (2024). Increasing the number of staff, including social workers, in Manitoba’s healthcare system will enhance teams’ ability to meet diverse patient needs, fostering better health outcomes across the province.
The event allowed students to build competencies necessary for interprofessional education, ensuring that future social workers and healthcare providers are equipped to work together and improve the quality of care within Manitoba’s healthcare system, as outlined in Social Work and Primary Care (CASW, 2024).
To attend an upcoming Interprofessional Education event and film screening, please contact Vicki at: Vicki.Verge@umanitoba.ca