Archive for August 2024

After private-equity firms acquire hospitals, the facilities’ assets and resources diminish significantly, leaving the facilities less equipped to care for patients, according to a new study by physician researchers at the University of California at San Francisco, Harvard Medical School and the City University of New York’s Hunter College. Above: Steward Health Care announced this month that it was closing Nashoba Valley Medical Center, in Ayer, Mass., west of Boston.

In essence, a “nudge” involves any manipulation of the decision-making environment that steers people’s behaviour in a direction beneficial to them, but without restricting their options or limiting their freedom of choice in any way.

After Covid regulations required working from home, the practice has continued for many social workers. Many authorities have closed local offices as part of cost-saving cuts, forcing more staff to work from home and hot-desk when in the office. Social workers told the researchers they felt increased isolation as a result of working from home, as well as reporting difficulties in reaching colleagues or managers for support, and an absence of the team camaraderie found in an office.

The programme allows social workers to immerse themselves in a case like “a fly on the wall”, prompting them to reflect on how they relate to families. Pictured: (left) Aman Basi, from Sandwell Children’s Trust, and Dr Tarsem Singh Cooner, of the University of Birmingham

Paul Yip, a Professor at The University of Hong Kong’s Department of Social Work and Social Administration, said local employers were becoming more accepting of these young people, possibly after seeing former inmates perform well in their jobs.

NASW comprises 55 chapters nationwide, and its members live in every congressional district across the country. NASW is committed to mobilizing our members, our partners, and the entire social work profession to ensure there are record levels of investment in expanding mental health care, combatting climate change, and reducing student debt.