Direct social work intervention

Cost-benefit analysis uses monetary valuations of the morbidity and mortality consequences of diseases or interventions. This allows estimation of the absolute and relative net social benefit of intervention, calculated as the monetary value of the consequences of an intervention minus the direct costs. Any health or social care intervention with a net social benefit greater than zero (i.e. the benefits are greater than the costs) is worth undertaking. Two approaches have typically been used to value outcomes in monetary values. The first is the human capital approach, where the monetary value of benefit represents the value of changes in the amount or type of work done or use of leisure time as... 

Social work professionals can provide important services to those who suffer from anxiety conditions including assessment and diagnostic and treatment services. They can also assist clients by creating an environment for improved communication and coordination between the client and other health care professionals. Social workers can also facilitate communication and services with other treatment team professionals and primary health care providers as well as mental health and community-based programs. In terms of direct intervention efforts, many of the techniques described in this chapter to assist with anxiety can also be used to help clients suffering from depression because the symptoms of anxiety and depression frequently overlap. 

Medications that are used as an intervention modality with children need constant monitoring and reevaluation, and the social worker must be keenly aware that not all medications used for children have printed information available that directly relates to their use with children. The information often is not available because the medications are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in children. There may be many reasons for this, with the primary consideration being the time and expense involved in obtaining this type of approval. Absence of this pertinent information, however, does not mean that the medication is dangerous or does not work (Dulcan, 1999). It does mean that particular attention must be given to assessment and reassessment and to the side... 

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