J Korean Diabetes.  2024 Dec;25(4):241-246. 10.4093/jkd.2024.25.4.241.

Diabetic Patient Social Needs Assessment and Intervention

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Social Work, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Efforts are being made to summarize the evidence on what can be done to promote health equity and to promote a global movement to achieve this. Historically, the social work profession, which assesses and intervenes in the social determinants of health, has integrated social care into healthcare. In particular, social workers in healthcare settings have improved health outcomes and reduced health disparities by addressing patient social needs. With the rapid increase in diabetes patients worldwide and the growing emphasis on managing chronic diseases in the community, the role of social workers in assessing and addressing patient social needs is expected to become more prominent. This article aims to provide an overview of the importance of the social determinants of health in diabetes patients and to enhance understanding of the role of social workers by presenting real-world cases.

Keyword

Diabetes mellitus; Social determinants of health; Social factors; Social work; Social workers

Figure

  • Fig. 1. Social needs profile of patients.


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