The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and Person-centered Healthcare

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Published: Mar 31, 2012
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5750/ijpcm.v2i1.131
Keywords:
Empowerment evidence inequality participation person-centered healthcare self-determination social work

Main Article Content

Terry Bamford
International Federation of Social workers

Abstract

Social work is a young profession. Its ethical base in self-determination and empowerment of clients is consistent with a person-centered healthcare system. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised the importance of the social determinants of health. Tackling health inequalities is a necessary condition for progress. Social work’s commitment to social justice and the close links which social workers have with marginalised communities means that the profession is well placed to engage with the fundamental causes of inequality. The profession is therefore a natural ally for medicine in the development of person-centered healthcare.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2012)
Section
Stakeholders’ roles and contributions beyond annual meetings: next steps to advance person- and people-centered care

References

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Penston, J. (2011). The irrelevance of statistics-based research to individual patients. International Journal of Person Centred Medicine 1 (2) 240-249.

Department of Health. (2011). The Family Nurse Partnership Programme in England, Wave 1 implementation on toddlerhood and comparison between waves 1 and 2 of implementation in pregnancy and infancy. Report prepared by Barnes, J., Ball, M., Meadows, P., Howden, B., Jackson, A., Henderson, J. & Niven, L. Birkbeck, University of London.