CPHSSWCE0444 - Health Disparities: The Impact of COVID-19 and the Role of Social Workers

Course Description

The nation's health care system is in a period of rapid change, great innovation and advances exist alongside large differences in access and outcomes. Engaging the health care system in the United States is often a challenging task for patients and their families. Differences in health literacy of patients (limited English Proficiency, low health literacy) can be an issue for providers needing to translate tests and procedures into understandable and action-based steps. Further, health disparities impact individuals, families, and ultimately all of us. Pre-existing health disparities have among marginalized racial and ethnic groups have led to, In some states, 50%percent higher in deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic. Social workers have a rich history of providing services in a variety of health care settings, participating in multidisciplinary teams, and advocating for change. This course will discuss the give a broad overview of health disparities in the United States, contributing factors and interventions, and strategies that social workers can implement to address these Disparities.

Course Outline

Timed Agenda

1:00 - 1:15pm Introduction and Welcome

1:15 - 2:00pm Definitions and overview of Health Disparities and COVID-19

2:00 - 2:15pm Break

2:15 - 3:00pm Social Work interventions: Patient Navigation

3:00 - 4:00pm Future trends and opportunities for action and collaboration

4:00 - 4:15pm Wrap up and Evaluations

Learner Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify how patient navigation can reduce barriers to care in accessing the health care system.
• Describe at least 2 health possible outcomes connected to the biopsychosocial impact of health disparities of COVID-19 in the United States.

When participants return to the workplace, they will be able to:

• Describe at least 2 services social workers can provide individuals and families that can address health disparities with populations impacted by COVID-19.
• Incorporate the core competencies of patient navigation into their social work practice.
• Demonstrate skills to recognize, intervene, and reduce harm from health disparities’ effects.