Social Work Management in Integrated Health Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Integrated healthcare agencies were particularly impacted early on during the COVID-19 pandemic by having to treat infected patients without interventions and vaccines. A phenomenological qualitative approach was taken to examine experiences of social workers in managerial positions handling the pandemic in these agencies. Data were collected before vaccines were authorized for emergency use. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to recruit participants. Data analysis followed a constant comparison strategy. Themes identified included: 1) response to the pandemic with limited information; 2) transition to remote work and telehealth; 3) management of social workers; and 4) preparation for post-pandemic. PRACTICE POINTS In response to the many unknowns about the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers in managerial positions prioritized safety and basic needs of patients. Transitioning to remote work and telehealth had numerous challenges but social workers in managerial positions believe these new ways can be beneficial post-pandemic. Management of social workers with increased workload, fears about the virus, and other pandemic-related stress required social workers in managerial positions to be more supportive than before the pandemic. The prioritization of physical health in integrated health care may mean a looming mental health crisis and social workers in managerial positions believe agencies need to be prepared for it.