ABSTRACT

Nursing home social workers are on the frontlines during COVID-19 responding to individual resident needs, the needs of staff, and larger health needs of the nursing home. However, it is unclear whether nursing home social workers feel adequately trained and prepared in responding to disasters, such as COVID-19. To explore this, we used a study cross-sectional survey distributed via social media focusing on 1) prior training on disaster preparedness, 2) any content social workers wish had been a part of their education, and 3) suggestions for educators/academics to serve social workers on the frontlines. Data in this study are based on a sample of 63 (N=63) nursing home social workers. Demographic data were analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data were analyzed using the RaDar (rigorous and accelerated data reduction) technique. Findings revealed that most social workers had little to no training in disaster preparedness, and shared areas of future education initiatives. Participants also shared the need for bridging the research to practice gap through open access articles and support from academics. Findings from the present study reveal areas social work programs can expand gerontology-focused course offerings. Additionally, developments promoting practitioner support from academics is worth consideration.

摘要

在 COVID-19 期间，疗养院社会工作者站在第一线，响应个人居民需求、员工需求和疗养院更大的健康需求。然而，目前尚不清楚疗养院的社会工作者是否感到在应对 COVID-19 等灾难方面得到了充分的培训和准备。为了探索这一点，我们使用了一项通过社交媒体分发的研究横断面调查，重点是 1) 事先关于备灾的培训，2) 社会工作者希望成为他们教育的一部分的任何内容，以及 3) 对教育工作者/学者的建议为前线的社会工作者服务。本研究中的数据基于 63 名 (N=63) 疗养院社工的样本。人口统计数据使用 SPSS 进行分析，定性数据使用 RaDar（严格和加速数据缩减）技术进行分析。调查结果显示，大多数社会工作者几乎没有接受过备灾培训，并且共享未来教育计划的领域。与会者还分享了通过开放获取文章和学术界的支持弥合研究与实践差距的必要性。本研究的结果表明，社会工作计划可以扩展以老年学为重点的课程。此外，促进学术界从业者支持的发展也值得考虑。本研究的结果表明，社会工作计划可以扩展以老年学为重点的课程。此外，促进学术界从业者支持的发展也值得考虑。本研究的结果表明，社会工作计划可以扩展以老年学为重点的课程。此外，促进学术界从业者支持的发展也值得考虑。