Social Work in Primary Care Modules
Social Work in Primary Care is a six-module e-learning program funded as part of the Team Primary Care Workplace Integrated Demonstration Project. These modules were created for social workers in primary care, and social work learners considering a future practice in primary care. However, they will also be useful to health professionals and trainees from other disciplines to learn more about social workers’ roles in primary care.
This e-learning program is part of Creating a National Vision and Building Capacity for the Role of Social Work in Primary Care.
How long is this e-learning program?
This program contains six modules at 30 minutes per module. If you take all six modules, you will need approximately 3 hours. Each module includes additional resources that you can explore if you would like to learn more.
What can I expect to learn?
By the end of this six-module e-learning program, you will be equipped with the knowledge to:
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Describe social work’s unique role in primary care within the cultural and historical context of Canada
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Develop strategies for promoting social and health equity, utilizing intersectoral partnerships and nurturing learning communities, in order to address disparities stemming from social determinants of health (SDOH)
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Examine common approaches to biopsychosocial assessment and treatment, and explain the role of evidence, practice wisdom, and quality improvement in primary care social work
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Explain care delivery and documentation methods, in both physical and virtual settings, and how integrating technology effectively can improve patient care
How can I access the modules?
Use the links below to access the modules.
Module 1: The Role of Social Work in Primary Care in Canada
Module 1 explores the context of social work practice in primary care in Canada, and the vision for its future. We introduce the Patient’s Medical Home model, the National Competency Framework for Interprofessional Collaboration, and the unique nature of social work in primary care.
Module 2: Advancing and Advocating for Social and Health Equity
Module 2 focuses on health equity and the social determinants of health (SDOH) and examines dimensions of access; the patient-centred clinical method; prevention, health promotion, and harm reduction. Facilitating intersectoral partnerships between primary care and other health and social sectors is examined as a strategy to build capacity for comprehensive whole-person care.
Module 3: Biopsychosocial Assessment and Treatment
Module 3 examines foundational perspectives underpinning social work practice in primary care. We explore biopsychosocial and risk assessments in primary care, and we examine approaches to social work practice used in primary care settings – including counselling, psychotherapy, case management, care coordination, and systems navigation.
Module 4: Delivery and Documentation of Care: The Role of Technology in Primary Care
Module 4 focuses on key areas where social workers in primary care may use technology: service delivery, documentation, team communication, and supporting population health.
Module 5: Evidence, Practice Wisdom and Quality Improvement
In Module 5 we examine the role of evidence and practice wisdom to guide social work practice in primary care, emphasizing the impact that the use of evidence can have to inform patient-centred care and quality improvement initiatives.
Module 6: Nurturing a Learning Community
Interprofessional collaboration is at the heart of primary care, and continuing education is a lifelong process. In Module 6 we discuss ways to nurture a culture of learning within your primary care team, and within the broader social work community.
