Social Workers' Experiences With Interventions for Clients With Congenital Heart Disease

Social Workers’ Experiences With Interventions for Clients With Congenital Heart Disease by Corinne Smorra MSW, Western New Mexico University, 2015 BBA, Western Michigan University, 1992 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Social Work Walden University November 2019 Abstract Many adults born with congenital heart disease (CHD) face long-term psychosocial issues related the disease. The purpose of this project was to better understand social workers’ experiences with interventions for clients who have CHD and experience psychosocial problems. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory was a basis for the research questions, which focused on clarifying social workers’ experiences with interventionsMany adults born with congenital heart disease (CHD) face long-term psychosocial issues related the disease. The purpose of this project was to better understand social workers’ experiences with interventions for clients who have CHD and experience psychosocial problems. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory was a basis for the research questions, which focused on clarifying social workers’ experiences with interventions and identifying the ecological levels to which the interventions align. A narrative design with nonprobability sampling was used. Six social workers who counsel adults with CHD from 6 of the 109 U.S. CHD clinics participated in individual interviews. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and categorized using thematic analysis, then analyzed for new information, similarities, and differences. The most significant clinical and nonclinical interventions used by participants were financial assistance, health insurance support, and modalities for treating anxiety and depression. Social workers counseling adult CHD patients may benefit by having information from experienced CHD social workers that they can incorporate into their work with clients. Recommendations include (a) bolstering the number of social workers in private practice who specialize in adults with CHD to address the ongoing mental health needs of this population and (b) encouraging social action and awareness to adjust the guidelines set by government agencies so this population can qualify for better financial, health, and disability benefits. Implementation of these recommendations may have a positive social impact for adults living with CHD. Social Workers’ Experiences With Interventions for Clients With Congenital Heart Disease by Corinne Smorra MSW, Western New Mexico University, 2015 BBA, Western Michigan University, 1992 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Social Work Walden University November 2019 Dedication This is dedicated to my mother, Anita Smorra; father, Patrick Smorra; and brother, Patrick Smorra Jr., who have been at my side during this lifelong journey with congenital heart disease. I am so pleased that I can now show them there are positive results from providing long-term, never-ending support to a child and sister. Acknowledgments First, I would like to thank my love, Marc Seguin, for his unending support during the 3 years it took for me to obtain this degree. He came into my life at the very beginning of this endeavor and consistently provided unwavering encouragement. I am looking forward to our life together postdoctorate. I would like to thank my chair, mentor, and advisor, Dr. Elizabeth Walker. I have had the rare privilege of having her as my academic advisor throughout my MSW at Western New Mexico University and my chair during my DSW at Walden University. Dr. Walker has been and will continue to be an influence in my academic pursuits. Dr. Walker, you have positively impacted me beyond anything you can imagine. Christa Hope, you have helped me through so many isolating days by staying in touch with me and getting me out of the house for walks during the day. Your company has been a beacon of light through this sometimes grueling and frustrating process; you have also been a friend who has celebrated the positive milestones. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Dr. Debora Rice, we met at the beginning of my DSW. You stayed connected to me through some difficulties, advised me on the best next steps for my capstone, and took on the responsibility of being my second committee member supporting my quest to finish. Thank you for everything. During the short amount of time we have known each other, your influence has been enormous.