Social work innovation in addressing social determinants of health: bridging the gaps between research and practice

There is a pressing need to increase awareness regarding innovative and effective social work practices, advancing our profession and positioning social workers as leaders in the integration of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) principles into health care social work practice. This challenge is particularly complicated for healthcare social workers, given that their practice settings operate within a healthcare system predominantly centered on medical interventions, traditionally assigning lesser importance to addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH). Navigating this complexity, healthcare social workers employ advocacy and innovative practices that emphasize a more holistic and integrated approach to health care.