Evaluation of Social Work Student Placements in General Practice

Social work students need to be prepared for practice in the general practice (GP) setting. We trailed six social work placements in GP practices. The data gained from the survey, de-identifying student clinic records, feedback received and project worker reflections are presented here to evaluate the social work student placements in GP. The findings highlight the opportunities that these placements provide, including positive student learning outcomes and their contribution to patients. Challenges of implementing social work placements in GP settings such as student isolation, the need to be tenacious and to have the ability to set boundaries will be outlined. The discussion explores prerequisites, preparation and sustainability issues for such placements. Further research is needed to explore social work in GP, funding streams to support this work and the value of this interdisciplinary work. Social work and social work student placements in general practice [GP] can contribute to wholistic healthcare. The overall aims of this research were to develop, implement and evaluate a field education placement curriculum for social work student placements in GP clinics. Between December 2021 and June 2022, six students completed their social work placements in four GP practices in North Queensland. Data collection included student records and an online survey that invited students, field educators, task supervisors, mentors, allied health professionals and GPs to provide feedback about the usefulness of the developed materials, the benefits and challenges of the placements, the services provided by the students, patient outcomes and feedback, social work learning, service delivery overall and the value of, and satisfaction with, the social work GP placements. Social work student placements in GP practices offer a valuable broadening of field education learning opportunities for social work and can benefit GP settings. Such placements need to be particularly carefully scaffolded and supported through a comprehensive curriculum, supervision, and a welcoming GP setting. Students interested in embarking in such a learning journey need to be highly confident and competent in social work practice.