Aaron R Brown, Aubrey Jones, Eva M Herbert, Metztli Q Chavez, David T Susman, Tara K Brewer, Justin Miller
{"title":"Evaluating the Impact of Assisted Outpatient Treatment on Healthcare Utilization and Medicaid Expenditures in Kentucky.","authors":"Aaron R Brown, Aubrey Jones, Eva M Herbert, Metztli Q Chavez, David T Susman, Tara K Brewer, Justin Miller","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2025.2570933","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2025.2570933","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) is a court-ordered intervention for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) who are unlikely to adhere to voluntary treatment and are at high risk of repeated hospitalizations or crisis service use. In 2017, Kentucky enacted Tim's Law, enabling AOT for individuals with a history of multiple involuntary hospitalizations and treatment nonadherence. This study evaluates the impact of Kentucky's AOT program on healthcare utilization and Medicaid expenditures and discusses implications for ethical social work practice.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Using Medicaid claims data from 2018 to 2024 for 67 AOT participants, we calculated monthly rates of encounters, hospitalizations, and Medicaid spending across three periods: before, during, and after AOT participation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>AOT participation was associated with significant reductions across all outcomes. Monthly encounters declined by 39% during AOT and 48% after AOT. Hospitalizations decreased by 53% during AOT and 67% post-AOT. Medicaid expenditures dropped by an average of $1,326.22 per participant per month during AOT and $1,105.45 post-AOT. No significant moderation effects were found based on demographic characteristics, diagnosis, or service agency.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Findings suggest that Kentucky's AOT program is associated with sustained reductions in costly healthcare services and improved system efficiency. Beyond cost outcomes, results underscore the importance of implementing AOT with safeguards that protect self-determination while promoting recovery. This analysis contributes new evidence from a program and region not previously represented in the literature and highlights implications for social workers engaged in balancing client rights, community safety, and recovery-oriented care.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145282037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aimee Kresica, Katherine McDougal, Jessica Waters Davis, Xiaoming Zeng, David Alain Wohl, Michael Baca-Atlas
{"title":"Implementing a Social Work-Led Hepatitis C Treatment Model for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders in Primary Care.","authors":"Aimee Kresica, Katherine McDougal, Jessica Waters Davis, Xiaoming Zeng, David Alain Wohl, Michael Baca-Atlas","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2025.2570325","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2025.2570325","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study examined a social work-led, treatment-first model for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment embedded in an integrated primary care clinic serving individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). This approach affirms the critical role of social workers in leading integrated HCV treatment models that expand access and improve outcomes for people with SUDs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective cohort evaluation of patients with confirmed HCV seen between 2018 and 2021. Eligible participants were identified through psychiatric and SUD programs, community referrals, and primary care. Individuals medically appropriate for treatment in primary care were offered direct-acting antivirals regardless of substance use or social circumstances. A licensed clinical social worker coordinated treatment, harm reduction counseling, social determinants of health screening, and care navigation. Electronic health record data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistics (χ<sup>2</sup> tests, t-tests) to compare treatment initiation and sustained virologic response (SVR12) outcomes across demographic and SUD subgroups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 190 individuals diagnosed with HCV, 88 (46.3%) initiated treatment and 75 (85.2%) achieved SVR12. All treated patients received three core social work services and received a mean of seven social work encounters. Cure rates were consistent across SUD subgroups. However, individuals with stimulant (<i>p</i> < .03) or sedative-hypnotic use disorders (<i>p</i> < .003) were significantly less likely to initiate treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Social workers can effectively lead HCV treatment within integrated primary care. Treatment-first, harm reduction - oriented models address structural barriers, expand access, and achieve high cure rates for populations historically excluded from specialty-based or abstinence-based care.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145253803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unintended Ramifications of Ai-Assisted Documentation: Navigating Pragmatic & Ethical Clinical Social Work Workload Challenges.","authors":"Ariella VanHara, David Hage","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2025.2571439","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2025.2571439","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145253850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eva Gallén-Granell, Eduardo Marques, Mercedes Botija
{"title":"Nature as a Bridge: Forest Mind as an Ecosocial Work Practice for Homelessness.","authors":"Eva Gallén-Granell, Eduardo Marques, Mercedes Botija","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2025.2560076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2025.2560076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This article presents the systematization of a pilot nature-based intervention, Forest Mind, conducted with individuals experiencing homelessness in the Azores Islands, Portugal. The aim is to explore how structured engagement with natural environments can promote psychosocial wellbeing and foster social inclusion, within an evidence-based and ecosocial social work framework.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected using the short version of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Nature Relatedness Scale (NRS), administered before and after the intervention. Qualitative data were gathered through a focus group and a semi-structured interview. The intervention consisted of four nature-based sessions following the Forest Mind methodology, guided by trained facilitators and adapted to the context of homelessness.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Quantitative findings show an improvement in emotional wellbeing, including reductions in tension and fatigue and increases in vigor and connection to nature. Qualitative data highlight the participants' sensory and emotional experiences with the forest environment, the emergence of mutual support, and a sense of belonging. The co-construction of meaning around nature and care was central to the intervention's perceived benefits.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The study demonstrates that nature-based interventions can contribute to psychosocial wellbeing and community-building among socially excluded populations. It supports an evidence-based approach that integrates professional expertise, participant values, and emerging empirical knowledge.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Forest Mind is a promising practice for ecosocial work. The findings advocate for considering access to restorative natural environments as a fundamental right in social intervention frameworks.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145245987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Katrina Herweh, Nora C Wynn, Whitney Key, Michael P Dentato, John Orwat
{"title":"The Importance of Interprofessional Education and Practice to Increase Skills, Attitudes, and Experiences among MSW Students.","authors":"Katrina Herweh, Nora C Wynn, Whitney Key, Michael P Dentato, John Orwat","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2025.2568079","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2025.2568079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The shortage of competent behavioral healthcare professionals across the U.S. limits the availability of services, leaving primary care providers as the first point of access for many diverse populations, yet many lack training to provide high-quality care. This study discusses findings from four cohorts of a federally funded workforce development program that trained graduate social work (MSW) students in behavioral health skills and competencies, with a particular emphasis on interprofessional collaboration and care for diverse populations, including transition-aged youth and LGBTQ populations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Student competencies were assessed through self-reported surveys across domains of interprofessional collaborative practice, utilizing a pre- and post-program test design.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All cohorts demonstrated increased positive attitudes toward integrated healthcare teams, enhanced competencies in team skills, and improved interprofessional collaboration.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Results yield important implications for ongoing interprofessional training among MSW students and indicate the significance of workforce development programs in preparing students for future work on integrated healthcare teams.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Interprofessional practice models offer practical solutions to current healthcare gaps. Workforce development programs advance interprofessional practice and provide the interprofessional education and training necessary to work effectively on integrated healthcare teams.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"1-20"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145234371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Geraldine Méndez-González, Emma Straton, Taylor Brewer, Nia Moore, Shayla Stringfield, Amari McDuffie, Rachel H F Margolis
{"title":"Exploring Black Mothers' Lived Experiences of Depression and the Relationship to Their Child's Asthma: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Geraldine Méndez-González, Emma Straton, Taylor Brewer, Nia Moore, Shayla Stringfield, Amari McDuffie, Rachel H F Margolis","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2025.2568077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2025.2568077","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Maternal depression represents a critical yet modifiable factor contributing to health inequity in pediatric asthma, particularly among Black families. Maternal mental health can directly affect a child's asthma management and outcomes; however, social work and behavioral health support remain largely absent from pediatric asthma care, and little is known about how mothers manage a child's asthma while also navigating their own mental health challenges. We sought to explore Black mothers' perceptions of depressive symptoms and how these symptoms affect their child's asthma.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 Black mothers of children at a community-based pediatric asthma clinic. Eligible participants screened positive for depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 > 4). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which included multiple coding strategies and analytic memoing to develop and refine themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mothers described extensive and chronic depressive symptoms, inadequate formal mental health treatment, and reliance on coping strategies and informal support. Mothers articulated the many ways in which their symptoms impaired their ability to manage their child's asthma,including responding to symptoms, medication use, and implementing environmental controls.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"1-19"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145234335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"From Crosses to Crystals: The Use of Diverse Spiritual Practices by Youth Impacted by Foster Care to Support Wellness.","authors":"Dominique Mikell Montgomery","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2025.2566809","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2025.2566809","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The wellness experiences and needs of older youth impacted by foster care (YIFC), particularly in the area of spirituality, are an understudied area despite the large amount of scholarship addressing the outcomes of this population. To address this gap, this study aimed to identify strategies central to youth's wellness, which ultimately included spiritual practices.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A research collective (n = 20) of YIFC, allies, and the author implemented a hybrid qualitative youth participatory action study. Drawing on photovoice and constructivist grounded theory methodologies, a diverse set of data was collected by the research collective, including audio recordings from individual interviews and group sessions, member-generated photographs and creative writing pieces, and collectively written pieces in response to wellness prompts. Group analysis using the SHOWeD photovoice analysis framework and author-led analysis using constructivist grounded theory approaches were used to generate findings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Spiritual practices were a fundamental wellness strategy for older YIFC. Youth's spiritual practices included communicating with nature, praying or manifesting, spiritually connecting with others, and engaging with spiritual texts or objects. Young people faced specific barriers to pursuing spiritual practices related to foster care.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Findings support that current foster care system policies and practices may be inadequate to protect young people's rights to explore and engage in spiritual practices.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the need for knowledge on how spirituality influences the lives of YIFC and provides recommendations for tailoring foster care policy to better support the spiritual needs and overall wellness of these young people.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"1-28"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145214576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Husain Lateef, Benjamin Leach, Sarah Narcisse, Judith Mwobobia, Dennis Boyd, Portia Nartey, Solomon Achulo
{"title":"Benevolent Childhood Experiences and Afrocentric Norms: Pathways to Flourishing Among Urban Black Young Adults.","authors":"Husain Lateef, Benjamin Leach, Sarah Narcisse, Judith Mwobobia, Dennis Boyd, Portia Nartey, Solomon Achulo","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2025.2568078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2025.2568078","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) have been shown to support positive adulthood outcomes, yet this framework has not widley applied to emerging Black Americans, who are disproportionately exposed to adversity and systemic inequities. This study examined the association between BCEs and flourishing in this population, with attention to the moderating roles of discrimination and Afrocentric cultural norms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An online survey was administered to 619 Black young adults. Participants completed validated measures of BCEs, flourishing, discrimination, and Afrocentric norms. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationships among these variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nearly all participants (96%) reported at least one BCE, while 25% reported all BCEs, a prevalence lower than that found in general populations. BCEs and Afrocentric norms were positively associated with flourishing, whereas discrimination was negatively associated. Moderation analyses indicated that discrimination weakened the positive association between BCEs and flourishing, while Afrocentric norms strengthened it.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings identify BCEs as an important strength among emerging Black adults. The moderating effects observed highlight the need for targeted social interventions, and culturally responsive practices that expand access to BCEs, reduce discrimination, and enhance resilience. Community-based approaches that affirm cultural identity may be particularly critical for promoting flourishing and well-being in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145202256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ruben Yusta-Tirado, Sonia García-Aguña, Pablo De Gea Grela, Lorena Patricia Gallardo-Peralta, Esteban Sanchez-Moreno
{"title":"Therapeutic Lying in Dementia Care: Attitudes and Knowledge Among Social Workers in Spain.","authors":"Ruben Yusta-Tirado, Sonia García-Aguña, Pablo De Gea Grela, Lorena Patricia Gallardo-Peralta, Esteban Sanchez-Moreno","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2025.2559278","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2025.2559278","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study explores the use, knowledge, and acceptance of therapeutic lying among social workers in Spain.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive design was used. Participants were 253 practicing social workers, recruited via purposive sampling through professional associations and institutional networks. Data were collected through an online questionnaire covering sociodemographic and professional characteristics, acceptance and use of therapeutic lying, and prior knowledge/training. Acceptance was measured with the validated16-item Acceptance of Lying to People with Dementia, supplemented by four <i>ad hoc</i>items on previous experience, frequency of use, perceived acceptability, and prior knowledge. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Shapiro - Wilk tests for normality, Student'st-tests for group comparisons, and chi-square tests for categorical associations (<i>p</i> < .05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While 83.8% reported having used therapeutic lying at least once,58.1% were unfamiliar with the term. The Acceptance of Lying to People with Dementia scale showed moderate overall acceptance (<i>M</i> = 50.67), with differences based on sector and prior experience. Socialworkers in gerontological settings and in private or third-sector institutions reported higher usage and acceptance levels.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The findings reveal a gap between practice and formal knowledge,raising concerns about ethical consistency. The study highlights the need for training, institutional protocols, and ethical guidance to support decision-making in dementia care.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Promoting structured reflection on this issue is essential to ensureperson-centered, ethically grounded, and professionally coherent social work practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145187636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Protective and Risk Factors and Gastric Cancer Knowledge Among Korean Immigrant Adults in Midlife and Older in the U.S.","authors":"Jung Sim Jun, Kyoung Hag Lee","doi":"10.1080/26408066.2025.2565247","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/26408066.2025.2565247","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the relationships between risk factors (limited health literacy and limited English proficiency), protective factors (social support from family and friends, and smartphone and Internet use), and gastric cancer knowledge among Korean immigrant adults in midlife and older in the U.S.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 120 Korean immigrants aged 55 and older. Data were collected on participants' health literacy, English proficiency, social support, technology use, gastric cancer knowledge, and several socio-demographic characteristics. Hierarchical multivariate regression analyses were employed to examine associations between predictive factors and gastric cancer knowledge.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings indicated that higher levels of limited health literacy were significantly associated with lower gastric cancer knowledge. Conversely, greater social support from friends was significantly related to increased gastric cancer knowledge. Limited English proficiency and technology use showed no significant associations with cancer knowledge in the multivariate models.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The study highlights the critical role of health literacy and friends-based social support in enhancing gastric cancer knowledge among older Korean immigrants. While limited health literacy poses a barrier, supportive relationships with friends may facilitate access to health information, potentially improving cancer awareness and preventive behaviors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results underscore the importance of targeted interventions addressing health literacy limitations and leveraging social support systems to improve gastric cancer knowledge in this high-risk population. Social service and healthcare providers should consider culturally sensitive strategies that enhance social connectivity and education to reduce cancer-related health disparities for the high-risk population.</p>","PeriodicalId":73742,"journal":{"name":"Journal of evidence-based social work (2019)","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145126604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}