SOWK 4200

This course explores the role and scope of social work within healthcare systems. Students will deepen their understanding of the social determinants of health, family dynamics, and biopsychosocial assessments, with a focus on their application to healthcare settings. Through a critical lens, students will examine healthcare legislation, policies, assessments, and systemic inequities in access to services, particularly for people with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, members of racialized communities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and other marginalized groups. Students will apply social work theory to healthcare social work and critically examine the medical model as it relates to healthcare systems in Canada. The course covers the continuum of care, from acute to community settings. Key issues such as health across the lifespan, chronic illness, cultural responsiveness, ethical decision-making, adult protection, risk assessments, collaboration in interdisciplinary teams, mental health, substance use, and end-of-life care will be explored.