The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on hospital social workers and interventions used to overcome the challenges. A systematic review.
Research proposal
Introduction
Research question
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on hospital social workers and interventions used to overcome the challenges. A systematic review
Background and justification for research
Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the first outbreak was detected in December 2019 (WHO,2021). The virus is an ongoing pandemic because of the way it has fast spread around the world. (WHO, 2021) states, “the virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe”. (WHO,2021) explain that the particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols.
Most people infected with the virus will experience “mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment”, explains (NHS,2021). However, (WHO, 2021) explains that “some will become seriously ill and require medical attention”, especially older people. Those with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease is more likely to develop serious illness (WHO,2021). (NHS,2021) urge that anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age, and that is why everyone needs to take extra precautions and protect themselves.
Apart from its deadly nature, COVID-19 has caused a damaging impact on the mental, psychological, and social wellbeing of society’s populations which includes but is not limited to the poor, aged, children, people with disabilities, etc. (Amadasun,2020). Also, COVID-19 has dramatically impacted the economy of many nations across education, health, agriculture, information technology, energy, oil and gas, and an array of other sectors.
Social workers across all practice sectors continue to witness the devastating individual, interpersonal and societal impacts of COVID-19 (Amadasun,2020). People worldwide have experienced job loss, financial impacts and worsened mental health concerns (Ashcroft, et al. 2021). Social workers and other front-line workers have been called to address the range of psycho-social crises emerging from the pandemic (Amadasun, 2020).
Social work practice delivers knowledge grounded in a person in environment perspective, a systemic understanding of institutions and policies, expertise in the social determinants of health, and professional skills to support individuals, groups and communities, as explained by (Ashcroft, et al. 2021). Social work practice aims to improve people’s lives by helping with social and interpersonal difficulties, promoting human rights and wellbeing.
Primary aim and objectives of the study
The dissertation aims to complete a systematic review of how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted hospital social workers and their interventions to overcome the challenges they are experiencing.
