Journal of Social Work Education and Practice, Volume 6; Issue 3, July 1, 2021
Combating Covid-19: A Phenomenological Study on the Experience of Frontline Social Workers in the Health Sector
Athira V. H. 1, Emily Elsa John 2
1 Department of Social Work, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India 2 Social Initiatives, Mathrubhumi, Trivandrum, India
Combating Covid-19: A Phenomenological Study on the Experience of Frontline Social Workers in the Health Sector
Athira V. H. 1, Emily Elsa John 2
1 Department of Social Work, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India 2 Social Initiatives, Mathrubhumi, Trivandrum, India
ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic has created an immense burden in society, and more than a medical pandemic, it became a social event that disrupts the social order as a whole. Professional social workers are engaged worldwide at all levels to save humanity from the public health crisis. The study aimed to gain qualitative insights into social workers experience and perceptions regarding the COVID-19 response. The research explored the current roles and challenges of frontline social workers in the health sector using an empirical phenomenological approach. The research sample consisted of Fifteen social workers working in the health care institutions in Kerala. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. The significant themes revealed during the data analysis and the respondents perceptions are presented as the findings. The three main themes that emerged are multidisciplinary skills to tackle multidimensional pandemic impact, Perceived challenges in the pandemic practice, and Barriers and blemishes in service provision. The research highlights the suggestions for advancing the social work efforts and illuminate how contemporary social work can add value to healthcare in combating the pandemic.
Keywords: social work, healthcare sector, Covid-19, pandemic response
Keywords: social work, healthcare sector, Covid-19, pandemic response