Measuring care coordination by social workers in a foster care medical home

Soc Work Health Care. 2021;60(5):467-480. doi: 10.1080/00981389.2021.1944452. Epub 2021 Jul 2.

Abstract

A social worker coordinated medical care for children in foster care in a foster care medical home (FCMH) and tracked care coordination (CC) activities using a modified Care Coordination Measurement Tool© (mCCMT). Of the 60 subjects, most were younger than 5 years, and 60% had a behavioral and/or medical condition. Primary CC activities included behavioral support for families and health system navigation. The CC prevented 11 emergency department (ED) visits, 9 placement disruptions, and 42 patient privacy violations. Children assigned to a FCMH have diverse CC needs and benefit from social workers' specialized skills.

Keywords: Foster care; care coordination; social work.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Foster Home Care*
  • Humans
  • Patient-Centered Care
  • Social Workers*