Proactive Professionals in the Era of Managed Care

P All social workers need to PRESENT and POSITION themselves as competent professionals with POSITIVE attitudes in all health care service settings, regardless of the type of practice being provided. R RECEIVE and acquire adequate training and continuing education in the current and future practice areas of health and mental health social work. This means being prepared to work with and assist clients who are taking prescription medication, over-the-counter preparations, and self-help remedies. 

RESEARCH time-limited treatment approaches that can provide alternatives for social workers who are struggling to provide quality-of-care service while cutting costs. These strategies should be encouraged and supported to coincide with medication treatments. Therefore, medication as a sole modality of treatment seems to fall short of realizing the importance of the person-in-environment stance that has long been the cornerstone of social work practice. 

A Help ADDRESS and identify the policies and issues that are relevant to providing ethical, effective, efficient, and cost-effective service. 

Help clients to address their own needs and feel secure in questioning medication regimens that are prescribed. It is also essential to encourage clients to question claims that appear vague and unsubstantiated such as, This product promotes wellness.  

COLLABORATE with other health care professionals to provide services that utilize an interdisciplinary team approach for addressing client concerns and needs. Assist with medication monitoring and compliance issues for the team while helping to make the client fill a more active role in his or her own treatment regimens. COMPLEMENT orthodox medical practices and techniques by utilizing holistic practices and alternative strategies that can help clients achieve increased health and wellness. Be aware of cultural mores and beliefs and how this can affect the client s adherence and continuance with treatment. 

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