Functions of healthcare social workers in primary healthcare: evolution, redefinition and challenges of the professional role

Abstract

Healthcare social workers were introduced to primary healthcare as a result of the healthcare reform that took place in Spain during the 1980s. Their activities were initially directed at addressing individual psychosocial problems and community intervention. Qualitative research was conducted from a descriptive, inductive and evolutionary perspective with the aim of analysing whether these professionals’ role has evolved to adapt to the current needs of the institution and to face the new demands of the population, by way of an examination of the programmes and protocols of the Canary Islands Health Service (Servicio Canario de Salud). The results show that this is a multifaceted role, which has transformed in order to meet the new needs of the population at the same time as facing challenges that have forced a redefinition of the professional profile.