Integrated Social Health Practice (SWK564)

SWK564 Integrated Social Health Practice prepares students to work effectively in integrated health and social care systems. It addresses the growing demand for social workers who can navigate and contribute to coordinated care across preventive, primary, acute, rehabilitative, and community-based health services. Drawing from clinical social work theories, public health principles, and interdisciplinary practice frameworks, students will examine how social, psychological, cultural, and systemic factors intersect with health outcomes. The course explores collaborative care models, case management in complex systems, and the role of social workers in promoting holistic well-being, continuity of care, and health equity. Emphasis is placed on ethical and evidence-informed approaches to working with individuals and families experiencing health challenges, chronic conditions, end-of-life care needs or caregiver burden — across hospital, home, and community settings. Through case studies and applied learning, students will be equipped to lead in integrated care environments and contribute to client-centred, coordinated health interventions.

• Foundations of integrated social and health care
• Social determinants of health and health equity
• Preventive and population health in social work
• Clinical social work in primary and care settings
• Medical social work and acute care interventions
• Transitional care in community settings
• Complex case management and service navigation
• End-of-life and palliative care in social work
• Caregiver stress and burnout
• Interdisciplinary teamwork and professional roles
• Integrated care in Singapore
• Culturally competent and inclusive practice in integrated care

• Analyse the role of social work in integrated health system.
• Evaluate systemic and structural factors that influence health outcomes and service access.
• Demonstrate competency in care coordination and case management.
• Demonstrate the ability to support continuity of care.
• Incorporate public health and prevention strategies.
• Reflect critically on ethical dilemmas, cultural competence, and professional boundaries in integrated care settings.