The role of social workers in responding to health and social inequity: Promoting positive changes in healthcare

Social determinants of health (SDOH) have a powerful influence on health inequities. Studies have revealed associations between SDOH and health status and recovery from illness. Research on how social workers in healthcare advocate for awareness of the associations between SDOH and health status, or recovery from illness, is scarce, especially from an international perspective. Barriers to addressing SDOH in the social work in healthcare profession are also rarely systematically studied. This special issue aims to address this gap. It aggregates qualitative and quantitative studies that address the major roles SDOH play in different diseases, populations, contexts, and countries. However, the different research methods used do not allow for comparison of findings. The presented studies point to a lack of standardization in screening and addressing SDOH, as well as large discrepancies in institutional policies, regulations, and the status of health social workers. In conclusion, international dialogue and comparative longitudinal quantitative and qualitative studies are required to better understand the factors that enhance or diminish the impact of social workers in integrating SDOH into decision-making and routine care, as well as in crisis interventions in health settings.