Abstract
Evaluation and measurement are inseparable from professional practice. They are necessary for classifying and identifying undesirable practices, determining the efficiency of social intervention, and providing a reliable and accurate basis for improving the quality of professional practice, with a positive impact on improving people's quality of life, and adding value to organizations and users. As a result of these arguments, the research highlights the lack of quality indicators in Social Work in Health Units. This highlights the need to promote research aimed at standardizing practices and quality indicators to be used in Social Work intervention in healthcare, so that all NHS users have access to the same standard of care, regardless of which hospital or healthcare unit they go to. This leads to significant variation between professionals who treat similar problems differently, with users not always receiving the most effective interventions. This requires evaluation, monitoring, documentation, and structured ways of continuously improving intervention processes (Hjärpe, 2017). Ensuring that social work is practiced to an acceptable standard of quality is essential for improving outcomes for individuals and families and preventing neglect and abuse (Mahesh, 2024). Clinical and social interventions are integrated, which makes it possible to see the person as a whole and not as a sum of parts, which ‘requires a multidimensional assessment of the person at various levels: the aspects of the illness, the user's behavior, the social, family and cultural context of the sick person, and the health system itself’ (Smith & Nicassio, 1995).
The main aim of this study was to validate a matrix of quality indicators in Social Work in the health area in NHS units based on equity, continuous improvement, and standardization of procedures in the professional practices of social workers.
A descriptive study of a varied methodological nature was carried out using various techniques, namely (focus group; Delphi panel, and expert validation) which enabled the process of constructing and validating 32 quality indicators in Social Work in Health. The indicator matrix was applied in the Social Work area of the ULS São João); ULS Santa Maria); ULS Guarda; ULS Alentejo Central and ULS Algarve.
The indicators were based on the triad: structure, process, and results, with the following dimensions: Organisation and Support Process; Orientation towards the person with the disease; Development and Continuous Improvement and Health Gains.
There was great variability in professional practices regarding the use of intervention instruments and tools by social workers working in hospital settings and those working in Primary Health Care. Barriers and difficulties in obtaining data for decision support through the information system the Social Work.
Validating a matrix of indicators in the practice of SW in the National Health System can increase effectiveness and equity in health and establish basic guidelines for safe and effective health practices for Social Workers.
This study confirms the need for a benchmark of quality indicators, seeking to ensure that no health unit provides social care below a minimum required level, promotes professional development, and improves the professional practice of social workers.