Triggers and factors associated with moral distress and moral injury in health and social care workers: A systematic review of qualitative studies.

OBJECTIVE: At some point in their career, many healthcare workers will experience psychological distress associated with being unable to take morally or ethically correct action, as it aligns with their own values; a phenomenon known as moral distress. Similarly, there are increasing reports of healthcare workers experiencing long-term mental and psychological pain, alongside internal dissonance, known as moral injury. This review examined the triggers and factors associated with moral distress and injury in Health and Social Care Workers (HSCW) employed across a range of clinical settings with the aim of understanding how to mitigate the effects of moral distress and identify potential preventative interventions. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted and reported according to recommendations from Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Searches were conducted and updated regularly until January 2024 on 2 main databases (CENTRAL, PubMed) and three specialist databases (Scopus, CINAHL, PsycArticles), alongside hand searches of study registration databases and other systematic reviews reference lists. Eligible studies included a HSCW sample, explored moral distress/injury as a main aim, and were written in English or Italian. Verbatim quotes were extracted, and article quality was assessed via the CASP toolkit. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns and arrange codes into themes. Specific factors like culture and diversity were explored, and the effects of exceptional circumstances like the pandemic. RESULTS: Fifty-one reports of 49 studies were included in the review. Causes and triggers were categorised under three domains: individual, social, and organisational. At the individual level, patients' care options, professionals' beliefs, locus of control, task planning, and the ability to make decisions based on experience, were indicated as elements that can cause or trigger moral distress. In addition, and relevant to the CoVID-19 pandemic, was use/access to personal protection resources. The social or relational factors were linked to the responsibility for advocating for and communication with patients and families, and professionals own support network. At organisational levels, hierarchy, regulations, support, workload, culture, and resources (staff and equipment) were identified as elements that can affect professionals' moral comfort. Patients' care, morals/beliefs/standards, advocacy role and culture of context were the most referenced elements. Data on cultural differences and diversity were not sufficient to make assumptions. Lack of resources and rapid policy changes have emerged as key triggers related to the pandemic. This suggests that those responsible for policy decisions should be mindful of the potential impact on staff of sudden and top-down change. CONCLUSION: This review indicates that causes and triggers of moral injury are multifactorial and largely influenced by the context and constraints within which professionals work. Moral distress is linked to the duty and responsibility of care, and professionals' disposition to prioritise the wellbeing of patients. If the organisational values and regulations are in contrast with individuals' beliefs, repercussions on professionals' wellbeing and retention are to be expected. Organisational strategies to mitigate against moral distress, or the longer-term sequalae of moral injury, should address the individual, social, and organisational elements identified in this review.

Discharge process for patients experiencing homelessness in the emergency department: A thematic qualitative study.

People experiencing homelessness are more likely to utilize emergency departments than their non-homeless counterparts. However, obtaining a bed in a homeless shelter for patients can be complex. To better understand the challenges of finding a safe discharge plan for homeless patients in the emergency department, our team conducted interviews with emergency department social workers and homeless shelter case managers in the Boston area. We identified and mapped the stages in the processes performed by both parties, identifying challenges with successful placement into a shelter. Furthermore, we assembled a data dictionary of key factors considered when assessing a patient's fit for a homeless shelter. By identifying bottlenecks and areas of opportunity, this study serves as a first step in enabling homeless individuals to receive the post-discharge assistance they require.

mHealth based intervention by social care professionals to support family caregivers to persons with dementia living at home in Sweden (Caregiver Connect): a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The majority of persons with dementia in Sweden reside in their own homes with support from family members. Approximately, 12% of persons with dementia have immigrant background. Within the next 20 years, the number of persons with dementia who are non-ethnic Swedes is said to double. Family caregivers with immigrant backgrounds are noted to receive less support in the community than ethnic Swedes and rate their health status lower than ethnic Swedish peers. The Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare have highlighted the importance of follow-up support for family caregivers with immigrant backgrounds as there is a recognized gap in research and available information tailored to meet the needs of this group. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the study is to test effectiveness of an mHealth based intervention through which community social workers can improve caregiving competence of non-European immigrant family caregivers of people with dementia living at home in Sweden. The overarching aim is to reduce caregiver burden and depressive symptoms, and improve quality of life. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) including wait list control group will be performed consisting of an intervention group (A, n = 44) and a wait list control group (B, n = 44), totaling a sample size of 88. On completion of the 10-weeks long intervention in the intervention group, the intervention will be delivered to group B. Effect of the intervention will be analyzed between and within groups over time. The content of the educational component of the intervention is inspired by the iSupport manual developed by the World Health Organization. The contents, in the form of a booklet, aims to equip the family caregivers with structured information on understanding dementia as a condition and its management at home, including self-care guidance designed specifically for family caregivers themselves. DISCUSSION: Similar telephone-delivered intervention studies targeted for family caregivers to persons with dementia are ongoing in Malaysia and will start in India using the same booklet adapted to the local context. These studies will provide evidence on the effectiveness of using digital technologies to deliver support to those who may not be reached or adequately served by the traditional healthcare system. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN registry, Registration number ISRCTN64235563.

Challenges perceived by social workers to prevent FGM/C in Bavaria: a prospective, cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, at least 230 million girls and women are affected by female genital mutilation/ cutting (FGM/C). FGM/C violates human rights and can cause irreparable harm and even lead to death. In 2022, more than 100,000 survivors of FGM/C lived in Germany, and more than 17,000 girls were considered at risk. Due to the increasing number, there is a need to improve the skills of professionals not only to treat FGM/C but also to prevent it, aiming to maintain or improve women's physical and mental health. However, previous studies mostly focused on health care providers, even though other professionals such as social workers, play an important role in the provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care and are often the first point of contact. Therefore, the study's main objective was to understand challenges perceived by social workers in pregnancy counselling centres in the provision of good quality of SRH care for girls and women suffering from or endangered by FGM/C. METHODS: A quantitative self-administered cross-sectional online survey was sent by e-mail in 2021 to all pregnancy counselling centers in the German federal state of Bavaria. RESULTS: Among the 141 participants, 82% reported no or insufficient FGM/C knowledge and barriers to provide the best quality of care. The main findings were language obstacles (82.7%), perceived client's fear or shame (67.9%) and cultural difficulties (45.7%). Furthermore, participants also reported a lack of competence on the professional side (29.6%). Importantly, most participants (129 of 141; 92%) expressed interest in training. CONCLUSION: Providing comprehensive good quality sexual and reproductive health care to women and girls affected from or endangered by FGM/C is challenging. The study revealed the importance of strengthening the skills of social workers and suggested the following strategies: (1) enhancing FGM/C knowledge and skills (including specialized competences e.g., in mental health) by improving training and information material for the target group, (2) improving referral pathways and addressing deficits in the existing care system (e.g. with health or legal institutions), and (3) developing trusting relationships with cultural (or traditional) mediators to build strong community networks.

Impact of a Mental Health Screening Process in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe how specific mental health-trained social workers can assist in the evaluations and follow-up of patients presenting with mental health concerns in the pediatric emergency department (ED). METHODS: Work was performed at a quaternary children's hospital ED with 95,000 annual ED visits across 2 locations. Patients requiring mental health services identified based on presenting complaint or from universal suicide screen were included. Emergency department team first evaluates the patients for medical screening and then consults a team of social workers specialized in acute mental health screening (AMHS). The team evaluates and provides recommendation for disposition and assists in plan completion. For patients not admitted, AMHS team makes 24- and 48-hour calls to ensure safety. We collected and analyzed the data on all eligible patients from September 2015 through June 2019 for (1) demographic information, (2) trends in number of consults to AMHS, (3) disposition plans and trends by year, and (4) frequency of follow-up phone calls. RESULTS: A total of 5950 patient visits were reviewed, for 4454 distinct patients. Most patients were 12 to 17 years of age, female, and White, with Medicaid being the predominant insurance. The most common chief complaint was suicidal ideation/plan/attempt. Self-referrals were the majority of assessments, and 59% of patients were already receiving mental health services. Median team response time was 19 minutes. There was an upward trend in consults. Psychiatric hospitalization was the most common disposition; more than 95% of the other visits had timely follow-up phone calls. CONCLUSION: Despite an increasing number of patients presenting to the ED with mental health crisis, safe and efficient management is possible with ED staff-social worker partnership. This approach can ensure that eligible patients receive consistent and evidence-based evaluations and can allow ED clinicians to respond to medical emergencies that require their attention.

At the Forefront: Social Workers' Role in Psilocybin Treatment for Depression and Substance Misuse.

This article underscores the critical role of social workers in harnessing the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and substance use disorder (SUD). Contemporary treatments for MDD often have side effects, and the success rate for SUD treatments remains low. The pervasiveness of MDD, combined with the challenges in treating SUD, highlights a need for innovative treatments. This article provides an overview of the resurgence of literature over the past two decades that illuminates the therapeutic promise of psilocybin for mental health treatment; clinical trials elucidate the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy in mitigating MDD and demonstrate great promise in reducing SUD symptoms. The long-lasting posttreatment effect emphasizes its potential as a novel treatment modality. Furthermore, psilocybin's recognition as a "breakthrough therapy" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the accelerating pace of psychedelic reform bills indicate growing acceptance and interest in its therapeutic capacities. Psilocybin-assisted therapy emerges as a potent treatment option, showcasing remarkable effectiveness even after a single dose. Recommendations and pathways for social workers to be involved in psilocybin-assisted therapy investigation, advocacy, and implementation are provided.

Outcomes of Aggression and Victimization in Social Welfare Services.

This study examined two significant phenomena that occur in the workplace, aggression and victimization, and their outcomes. The study's participants were 470 social workers employed by social welfare services in Israel. The examined outcomes were stress symptoms, emotional exhumation, and decline in quality of service climate. The associations between aggression, victimization, and their outcomes were examined via linear regression during Stata 14. The study found that the similar outcomes of aggression and victimization are stress symptoms and emotional exhaustion, while service climate (decline in quality) was associated only with victimization. While most studies have examined mainly victimization outcomes, the current study examined both aggression and victimization outcomes. This article sheds light on the similarities and the difference of outcomes between aggression and victimization and explicates the phenomena of workplace aggression from two important and complementary aspects of aggression and victimization. It is important to refer to either aggression or victimization while considering workplace aggression. Authors recommend for further studies to continue to investigate both aggression and victimization while researching workplace aggression outcomes.

Priorities for enhancing nurses' and social workers' competence and confidence in helping families support dependent children through parental death. A classic-Delphi survey.

BACKGROUND: Annually, approximately five per cent of dependent children - aged under eighteen years - in the United Kingdom (UK), experience parental death. Nurses and social workers caring for parents with life-limiting illnesses, including cancer, help families support their children. However, these professionals have been found to lack confidence and competence in fulfilling this role. METHODS: We conducted three rounds of a classic-Delphi survey to identify and measure a panel of topic experts' consensus on the priorities and issues for nurses and social workers when supporting families and children through parental death. The Delphi survey was conducted with a panel of UK topic experts (n=43) including lead health and social care professionals (n=30), parents bereaved of a partner whilst parenting dependent children (n=6), academics (n=4) and bereaved young adults (n=3). RESULTS: Ninety per cent (n=18/20) of the issues for nurses and social workers and all (7/7) of the priorities rated and ordered in the survey achieved consensus. Key priorities were 1) training in opening conversations with families about dependent children, 2) training and support for nurses and social workers to manage their own and others' emotions arising from conversations with parents about children's needs regarding parental death, and 3) increasing nurses' and social workers' knowledge of sources of information to support families before the death of a parent. CONCLUSION: We identified priorities for UK nurses and social workers. Further research is needed to identify which of these nurses and social workers would benefit most from support, and how any resultant interventions could enhance confidence and competence in helping families to support children through parental death.

Caregiver interactions, perceived control, and meaning in life of elderly: the moderating effect of the elderly-to-social worker ratio.

BACKGROUND: Meaning in life is a widely accepted aim in promoting psychosocial health in institutional care. However, how caregiver interaction and perceived control impact meaning in life among the elderly remains unclear. This study explores the effect of institutional caregiver interaction, family caregiver interaction, and perceived control on meaning in life among elderly residents in China, and the potential moderating effect of elderly-to-social worker ratio in these associations. METHODS: Multistage random sampling was used to recruit a sample of 452 elderly residents from 4 elderly care homes in urban China. A structural equation model was used to test the study hypothesis. RESULTS: Institutional caregiver interaction is positively related to meaning in life, and perceived control among elderly residents has a positive impact on meaning in life. Moreover, the elderly-to-social worker ratio moderated the relationship between institutional caregiver interaction and meaning in life, as well as between family caregiver interaction and meaning in life. CONCLUSIONS: Increase elderly's meaning in life is an important service target for the caring professions in institutional care. Social workers affect the effectiveness of interventions on elderly's meaning in life in institutional care. A higher elderly-to-social worker ratio could improve the effectiveness of interventions on meaning in life for elderly residents.

Social Work Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal: Current Practices and Future Considerations.

This paper examines the findings of a small qualitative study focusing on two virtual discussions facilitated by the Social Workers' Association Nepal (SWAN) in May and June 2020 and follow-up interviews conducted with the participants during June 2020. The aim of these discussions and follow-up interviews was to examine the role of social workers in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. Seven social work practitioners (including Master's of Social Work graduates (n = 3), PhD student (n = 1), and social work practitioners (n = 3)) from across the country participated as invited speakers in the sessions with approximately 500 Nepalese social workers engaged as voluntary participants. Based on these discussions, a process of thematic analysis was utilized, where a series of findings emerged that gave consideration to the role of social workers in assisting Nepalese civil society in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings centered upon nationwide action including: emergency responses, relief goods coordination and distribution, quarantine management, psychosocial support, and infodemic management administered by social work practitioners. A series of recommendations emerging from the study's findings serve to inform the central role of social workers in responding to the current pandemic in Nepal.

Palliative Care Clinicians' Views on Metrics for Successful Specialist Palliative Care Delivery in the ICU.

CONTEXT: A quarter of palliative care (PC) clinicians' consultations are now requested from the intensive care unit (ICU). Despite this high usage, a standardized set of quality metrics for PC delivery in the ICU does not exist. OBJECTIVES: To explore PC clinicians' views on how to best measure quality of care delivery in their role as a consultant in the ICU setting. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a parent dataset consisting of qualitative data from semi-structured interviews exploring ways to optimize PC clinicians' role in the ICU. Nineteen participants were recruited across five academic medical centers in the US. Participants included PC physicians (n = 14), nurse practitioners (n = 2), and social workers (n = 3). Thematic analysis with an inductive approach was used to generate themes. RESULTS: We identified two central themes: difficulties in measuring PC quality in the ICU (theme 1) and tension between the role of PC and metrics (theme 2). Theme 1 had two subthemes related to logistical challenges in measuring outcomes and PC clinicians' preference for metrics that incorporate subjective feedback from patients, family members, and the primary ICU team. Theme 2 described how PC clinicians often felt a disconnect between the goal of meeting a metric and their goals in delivering high-quality clinical care. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide insight into PC clinician perspectives on quality metrics and identify major barriers that need to be addressed to successfully implement quality measurement in the ICU setting.

Diagnoses of common mental disorders among social workers in Sweden: A register-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about common mental disorders (CMD) diagnoses among social workers, i.e., depression, anxiety, or stress-related disorders. This study aims to examine the risk of CMD among social workers in comparison to other workers and to further investigate differences between men and women and specific occupational titles. METHODS: This register-based cohort study consists of 3,034,304 persons, of which 26,610 were social workers (0.9 % of all workers), aged 30-64 years, living in Sweden in 2015. The risk of diagnosed CMDs was followed up until 2020. Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for sex, birth country, education, and birth year. RESULTS: The participants were followed up by a total of 16,833,742.9 person-years, with an average follow-up of 5.5 years. Social workers, compared to other workers, were at a higher risk of CMD (HR 1.3, 95 % CI 1.2-1.4) after adjustment. The HR was equal, 1.3, for depression (95 % CI 1.2-1.5) and anxiety or stress-related disorder (95 % CI 1.2-1.4). The association between social work and CMD was stronger among men (HR 1.7, 95 % CI 1.6-1.9) compared to women (HR 1.2, 95 % CI 1.1-1.3). Further, men working as assistance analysts had the highest risk among the occupational categories (HR 2.2, 95 % CI 1.2-3.9). LIMITATIONS: CMD diagnoses only included cases treated in secondary care. CONCLUSIONS: Social workers, especially male social workers, had a higher risk of CMD. This deserves attention for future research and interventions aimed at improving the mental health of social workers.

Gaps and opportunities in addressing the needs of older adults in the Philippines and Vietnam: a qualitative exploration of health and social workers' experiences in urban care settings.

Background: Despite numerous government initiatives, concerns and disparities among older adults have continually been growing. Empirical studies focused on older adults in the Philippines and Vietnam appear minimal and mostly regarding perceptions of aging. An effective geriatric care strongly relies on functional service providers requiring their perspectives to be explored toward inclusive service delivery. Objective: To investigate the perceived gaps and opportunities in geriatric care service delivery among health and social care workers in selected urban areas in the Philippines and Vietnam. Methods: A qualitative case study approach drawn on social constructivism theory, examined working experiences, observed characteristics of older adults, geriatric services and needs, difficulties on service delivery, and recommended solutions. A total of 12 semi-structured interviews and 29 focus group discussions were conducted in the Philippines, with 174 health and social care workers, while in Vietnam, there were 23 semi-structured interviews and 29 focus group discussions with 124 participants. An inductive thematic analysis was employed. Results: Interview participants highlighted the increasing unmet needs such as accessibility, availability, and acceptability of geriatric care services. The implementation of interventions on the older population faced multiple challenges, including issues related to older adult conundrums and dilemmas in geriatric care providers and facilities. The participants from the two countries felt that strengthening implementation of collaboration toward an integrated geriatric care structure and expansion of training and capability in handling older adults can be potential in addressing the gaps at both individual and institutional levels. Additionally, a committed leadership was viewed to be the important step to effectively operationalize the strategy. Conclusion: Health and social workers emphasized that the needs of older adults are exacerbated by various challenges within a fragmented geriatric care system. To address this issue, an establishment of an integrated service delivery mechanism with dedicated leadership is needed. The findings from this study may help develop appropriate solutions for addressing the health and social care needs of older adults in similar settings across Southeast Asia. Further examination of the impact of these challenges and solutions on service delivery and the wellbeing of older adults is essential.

Social Workers' Perceptions Regarding Legal Intervention for Older Adults without Significant Cognitive Decline Who Are Abused by Their Adult Child.

Social workers aiding older adults facing abuse from their adult child confront an ethical dilemma: whether to honor autonomy or prevent harm. The study explores how social workers perceive legal intervention against the older adult's will. Twenty-one aging-specialized social workers took part in semi-structured interviews using a vignette. The analysis was conducted inductively, guided by content analysis principles. Two main themes emerged, focusing on the disadvantages and benefits of legal intervention. The findings underscore that combining teleological and deontological considerations could form a foundation for developing decision-making tools to aid social workers in navigating this dilemma effectively.

Social Workers' Perspectives on Socially Isolated Older Adults Living with a Robot Companion.

Addressing depression and social isolation among solo-living older adults in South Korea requires a multi-faceted approach. This study aims to explore the advantages and obstacles of a robotic elder care program by analyzing social workers' viewpoints regarding interactions between older adults and a companion robot named Hyodol. Through the purposive sampling method, we conducted comprehensive interviews with 10 social workers who are pioneering the integration of robots in elder care. The study participants observed and compared the demographic characteristics of users and non-users, elucidated usage patterns, described the roles of robot companions, and shared remarkable instances. Overall, the experiences of these social workers underscored the positive influence of Hyodol in offering companionship, care, and emotional support, especially in circumstances where clients experienced isolation or lacked regular family interactions. In addition, social workers' perspectives hold significant value in comprehending the genuine effects of anthropomorphism - the inclination to attribute human-like qualities and emotions to robots. Our investigation revealed the existence of two distinct modes of personification among older adults, which we have labeled as "imagination" and "projection."

Determinants of psychological injury among health and social care workers in community settings: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Health and Social Care (HSC) workers face psychological health risks in the workplace. While many studies have described psychological injuries in HSC workers, few have examined the determinants. Previous research has primarily focused on hospitals, lacking systematic reviews of community-based settings. OBJECTIVE: To systematically identify and appraise current evidence on the determinants of psychological injuries among HSC workers in community settings. METHODS: Searches were conducted in three bibliographic databases, supplemented by citation searches. Included studies focused on community-based HSC workers, reporting statistical associations between psychological injury and personal, health, occupational, or organizational factors. Quantitative studies published in English between January 1, 2000 and August 15, 2023 were included. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the JBI critical appraisal checklist. RESULTS: Sixty-six studies were included. Study quality was highly variable, and all studies were cross-sectional. Twenty-three studies linked psychological injury with occupational factors (e.g. low job control, high job demands and low job satisfaction). Thirteen studies observed an association between work environment and psychological injury, and a further eleven between workplace social support and psychological injury. Fewer studies have examined the relationship between psychological injury and personal/individual factors. CONCLUSION: Occupational and organisational factors are significantly associated with psychological health among HSA workers, in community settings. These aspects of job design, work environment and workplace relationships are modifiable, suggesting an opportunity for work design interventions to improve workers' psychological health and reduce the prevalence of psychological injury in this sector.

Perceptions and educational needs of social and healthcare professionals in the prevention of domestic violence - A focus group study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore and describe social and healthcare professionals' perceptions and educational needs in relation to domestic violence and its prevention. METHODS: A qualitative research was conducted in three European countries. Two multidisciplinary focus group interviews were conducted (in each country) among professionals and higher education teachers in the field of social and health care. Total number of participants were 32 (Finland n=12, Greece n=12, Portugal n=8). The transcribed data were analyzed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants' perceptions of domestic violence and its prevention included: multidimensional phenomenon, consequences, and addressing concern. Domestic violence was seen as a multidimensional phenomenon, which has various consequences for several aspects of life. Professionals have difficulties addressing their concern due to lack of knowledge and tools. Solutions to prevent domestic violence that the participants shared were: education, intervention, and strategies. Education was seen as the key aspect for the prevention of domestic violence. Also, professionals' communication and situation management skills, as well as national and international strategies, were seen as valuable solutions. Educational needs for prevention of domestic violence were expressed based on content, methods, and practices, such as services system and legislation. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study highlight the social- and healthcare professionals' need for education about domestic violence. It is essential that these professionals receive appropriate training to effectively identify and address domestic violence. The current study provides useful information for the development of relevant training/education for this group of professionals.

COVID-19: Experiences of Social Workers Supporting Older Adults With Dementia in Nigeria.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous public health protocols were instituted by government agencies to safeguard individuals with dementia, their family caregivers, and formal care providers. While these preventive measures were implemented with good intentions, they inadvertently imposed significant challenges on medical social workers in Nigeria. This paper explored the experiences of medical social workers caring for people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Twenty-six medical social workers from 6 government hospitals in Southwestern Nigeria participated in an in-depth interview. The research reveals 3 pivotal aspects: Firstly, the escalating demands within the work environment, where medical social workers grapple with the intricate task of conveying sensitive information about dementia diagnosis and COVID-19 prevention protocol, managing expectations regarding dementia diagnoses, and navigating resource constraints for individuals with dementia during the pandemic. Secondly, discernible impacts on the work climate and interprofessional relationships shed light on the challenges these professionals face in collaborating with other healthcare providers. Lastly, the reverberations on social workers' personal lives underscore the pandemic's toll on their well-being. Thus, the findings underscore the need for proactive measures to equip medical social workers to face the distinctive challenges in dementia care during future pandemics. Recognizing the potential resurgence of global health crises, the research highlights the need for strategic preparedness to mitigate the impact of future pandemics on the well-being of individuals with dementia and the professionals dedicated to their care.

Courtesy Stigma and HIV Professionals: A Brief Review of Implications for Psychosocial and Professional Well-Being.

The impact of HIV-related stigma on social workers, clinicians, counselors, and advocates working in organizations serving people living with HIV (PLWH), is rarely considered. Professionals experience "courtesy stigma" when working with or on behalf of PLWH, regardless of their personal HIV status. PubMed, Medline, and PsycInfo databases, along with a review of relevant reference lists and referrals, identified 13 studies addressing this phenomenon. Although limited, this brief review suggests that members of the HIV workforce do indeed face challenges that compromise their personal and professional well-being as a result of courtesy stigma. Addressing stigma among professionals is necessary to support the health of those working in the field, and to avoid undermining the efforts of this important workforce. More research is needed to understand the perceptions and experiences of courtesy stigma and how this stigma may adversely impact the psychological well-being, social functioning, and professional practice of HIV professionals.

Who is behind the robot? The role of public social workers in implementing robotic eldercare program in South Korea.

A companion robot named Hyodol is a digital technology implemented for eldercare in South Korea. Drawing insights from semi-structured interviews with public social workers actively involved in the Hyodol care program, this study explores how social workers contribute to the success of the robotic care program. Throughout the phases of selecting potential users, introducing older adults to the robot, and maintaining the robotic program, the practical wisdom of social workers plays an important role. Despite the increased workload in case management and the emotional labor associated with navigating the care system, these pioneering social workers maintained high morale to adopt the robotic care system. By shedding light on the specific roles of social workers, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics that underlie successful robotic eldercare.