Social Work: The Contrast Interventions for COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Social work practice, as a service profession, involves applying skills and theories related to human behavior and social systems when addressing social problems. One significant challenge faced by social workers worldwide is the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has affected millions, causing numerous deaths globally. This situation presents an enormous challenge for social workers on a global scale. This paper explores the roles of social workers in interventions, support, and advocacy for social inclusion, aiming to positively impact the lives of vulnerable populations and society during the pandemic. This context introduces variables such as responsibilities, support packages, compassion, creative responses, and social justice. The paper is a review that utilizes Atlas ti.8 for analysis and presentation. It highlights interventions of these variables in selected countries, considering both developed and developing nations and assessing weaknesses and strengths. Less developed countries, such as India and Nigeria, tend to face disadvantages in interventions related to support, compassion, and social justice. Hence, there is a need to integrate social workers efficiently for intervention care, particularly in less developed countries.

1. Introduction

COVID-19 infection is highly heterogeneous, from asymptomatic infection to mild, moderate, or severe. In addition, the infection can evolve through different stages and progress [1]. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about numerous difficulties for a healthcare system that was not adequately ready. Medical professionals are encountering unparalleled levels of stress at work, which is further exacerbated by an already high level of physician exhaustion. It is important to recognize that these challenges could intensify and evolve as the pandemic progresses [2]. Factors like the changing patterns of transmission over various time periods have contributed to the escalation of the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 spread. This has significantly impacted the mental and physical well-being of the general population, as well as healthcare workers [3]. It also encompasses demographic and occupational factors, like gender and age, which were associated with stress and feelings of depression. The expression of emotions includes denial, anger, and fear, all of which are related to the pandemic [4]. It has further caused extensive burdens to individuals, families, countries, and the world. Effective care for COVID-19 patients is necessarily needed.

Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who reside in regions characterized by significant socioeconomic disadvantage demonstrated a heightened occurrence of requiring critical care admission and an increased level of deprivation when adjusted for other factors [5]. As a result, individuals employed in frontline roles find themselves within a higher-risk category and necessitate vigilant monitoring. The substantial increase in workload, stemming from the elevated total patient count and extended weekly working hours that encompass both day and night shifts, combined with limited logistical and peer/supervisory support as well as diminished feelings of professional competence during COVID-19-related duties, contributes to a more pronounced emotional impact on physicians situated on the pandemic’s front lines [6]. The COVID-19 pandemic is projected to exceed the healthcare system’s capacity, underscoring the importance of incorporating palliative care into pandemic planning. This highlights the urgent requirement for healthcare practitioners to understand palliative care principles and how to prioritize patients when resources are scarce. Consequently, exploring alternative avenues for delivering palliative care, including telemedicine, tele-counseling, and online bereavement support groups, becomes imperative [7]. In this context, professionals must not only respond to the pandemic but also play a pivotal role in championing effective actions. It is evident that the value of social justice, a cornerstone of social work, is jeopardized by the pandemic’s detrimental effects on marginalized groups, posing a significant challenge [8].

Enhanced collaboration is essential for effectively addressing global health threats [9]. The pandemic response has revealed the discomfort felt by nurses due to the imbalance between their workload and the available human resources, as well as the lack of communication with mid-level managers [10]. Consequently, the involvement of social workers is crucial to facilitate effective coordination and improve pandemic management. Social workers have significant roles to fulfill in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, demanding a heightened sense of awareness within the social work profession. This presents a valuable opportunity for the social work field to take a prominent role, enabling it to tackle emerging issues and make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals affected by emergencies and pandemics like COVID-19 [11]. Central to this is the unique approach that social workers bring to interventions, highlighting the importance of further developing these strategies.

The chapter gives an overview of the study. The contrast intervention in COVID-19 should be an agenda for nations worldwide because of the need disparity, especially for nations such as developing countries with uncontrolled growing populations and economic challenges. Therefore, the equal right to dispensing COVID-19 interventions as a basic need cannot be overstressed [12]. This is one of the reasons social work interventions encompass fulfilling fundamental needs like safety, a sense of belonging, active listening, and emotional support. Thus achieving the intervention objectives of ensuring safety, restoring a sense of calmness, addressing acute reactions in a normalized manner, fostering self-efficacy, nurturing a feeling of belonging, and sustaining mental openness [13]. The approach to studying such a global concern is fundamental. As such, the qualitative method was adopted by reviewing some of the interventions in selected countries, both developed and developing. The findings indicated a high disparity in supporting packages for victims, resource strength hindering effective support, and synergy ineffective in part of the organizations supporting the social workers. Therefore, it suffices to say that inequality and the effectiveness of various interventions have significant implications for health shaping public policies for efficiently integrating social workers for intervention care, as less developed countries are of disadvantaged.

2. Concept of social worker

A social worker (SW) is a professional dedicated to enhancing the overall welfare of the general populace, aiding in fulfilling both basic and intricate requirements of individuals and communities, with a special focus on those who are marginalized, oppressed, or experiencing poverty. Their substantial contributions encompass caring, providing support, upholding rights, and empowering vulnerable groups [14]. During times of public health crises, social workers position themselves to educate communities and navigate through intricate and evolving situations. Historically, social workers have been pivotal in responding to significant events such as the HIV outbreak, Hurricane Katrina, and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Moreover, social workers have played a crucial role in addressing systemic challenges including healthcare disparities, racism, insufficient mental health services, and economic inequalities [12].

Social work interventions encompass fulfilling fundamental needs like safety, a sense of belonging, active listening, and emotional support. Further elaboration of these interventions aligns with the following objectives: Ensuring safety, restoring a sense of calmness, addressing acute reactions in a normalized manner, fostering self-efficacy, nurturing a feeling of belonging, and sustaining mental openness [13]. Yeshiva University [12] typically spelled out the role of SW to include:

1. Navigating an Evolving Situation: During a situation of crisis, a social worker’s major responsibility is to help their clients find the resources and support they need.

2. Critical to ensuring clients get accurate information to help them navigate an extremely complex healthcare system and understand doctors.

3. Stopping the spread: community safety guidelines are an important part of a social worker’s responsibility; it is also essential in educating the community at large.

4. Prioritizing self-care, which is where social workers play another essential role. Serve as a neutral sounding board, working with clients to develop coping strategies to manage anxiety and provide non-sensationalized information.

3. Social worker and COVID-19

As custodians of professional knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values, social workers are entrusted with the responsibility to take action and contribute to several crucial areas of research and practice. These encompass:

1. Client Protection during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Social workers are obligated to engage in research activities aimed at safeguarding their client systems and service users from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. Coping Strategies for Vulnerable Service Users: Social workers should explore coping strategies employed by service users, particularly vulnerable groups like older adults, women, and resource-deprived households, who are grappling with limited access to medical care in many developing regions worldwide.

3. Interventions for Grieving Families: Social workers play a pivotal role in researching and developing interventions to support families enduring loss brought about by the pandemic. This loss could be related to the passing of loved ones, parents, or relatives or could involve socioeconomic or material setbacks stemming from the pandemic [8].

As previously stated, the duties of social workers extend beyond combating the transmission of COVID-19. They encompass ensuring that the most vulnerable are incorporated into planning and response efforts, mobilizing communities to secure essential resources such as food and clean water, and advocating for the integration of marginalized individuals into the social service system [14].

4. Methodology

This article examines the roles of social workers in interventions, support, and advocacy for social inclusion with the aim of positively influencing the lives of vulnerable populations and society amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It functions as a review paper, utilizing Atlas ti.8 to analyze related articles and quantify the results for presentation. The research focuses on the qualitative phase, which is crucial for articulating and addressing the pertinent issues. Within this study, various articles reference specific aspects related to weaknesses and strengths, regional disparities, and their correlation with the policies and practices governing the program. These aspects encompass resources, social justice, responsibilities, compassion, and other relevant variables.

4.1 Sampling design

Qualitative sampling is drawn from information factors rather than the number of participants. Elements involved in qualitative sampling are defining aspects of the subject under investigation within the limit of time and resources, thus considering responsibility, collaboration and synergy, creative responses, resource strength, compassion, social justice, and support pages. Purposive sampling was used for this qualitative study targeted at some selected countries developed and developing: India, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, and Italy.

4.2 Data collection

The data were derived from relevant articles and elaborated within the realm of social work practices, along with the goals and approaches implemented by their organizations in the public participation process. While the articles were in English, the themes of the information remained largely consistent regarding social workers and their operational roles, specifically in the context of providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This uniformity is attributed to the fact that all extracted information adhered to the issues predetermined by the researchers, as indicated and explained in the sampling design.

4.3 Data analysis

The data analysis employed a systematic process comprising five stages, which include identifying a thematic framework, indexing/coding, grouping, and networking.

5. Ethical challenges

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers encountered ethical dilemmas that encompassed the following aspects.

1. Building and maintaining relationships based on trust, honesty, and empathy, either through remote means with respect to privacy or in person with protective gear.

2. Giving precedence to the distinctive and amplified needs and requests of service users during the pandemic despite limited resources and challenges in conducting comprehensive assessments.

3. Striking a balance between the rights, needs, and risks of service users and the personal risks faced by social workers and others, while striving to deliver services as effectively as possible.

4. Navigating the choice between adhering to national and organizational policies, procedures, or guidance (established or new) and employing professional discretion when these policies seem inadequate or unclear.

5. Recognizing and managing emotions, fatigue, and the imperative for self-care when operating in demanding and unsafe conditions.

6. Using the pandemic as an opportunity to reconsider the future of social work.

Social workers have exhibited both resilience and ingenuity in meeting needs within precarious and unpredictable circumstances, while respecting individuals’ rights to privacy and participation in consequential decisions about their lives. These experiences have contributed to formulating ethical principles that underpin the guidance for their work.

• Social workers should possess the capacity to exercise professional judgment while engaging in social work within multidisciplinary or multi-agency teams throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

• If a suitable remote option and/or infection risk mitigation measures are available, social workers should not be obligated to conduct face-to-face interactions.

• Health and other partners should facilitate social work visits/activities in diverse settings when the social worker deems them necessary.

• Social workers should not be prevented from conducting home visits/activities if there is a clear legal or practice-based justification to do so.

• Guide and inform your practice.

• Seek suitable support and guidance from employers and other partners.

• Raise professional concerns and queries regarding local practice or guidance [15].

5.1 Global experiences

India: India is the nation from which the world’s most ancient healthcare system originated, making it the focus of close observation by the global community to see how it manages the crisis utilizing its internal resources. The international community is currently monitoring India to witness the display of its traditional healthcare strength [16].

United Kingdom: According to the 2021 Annual Survey conducted by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), ongoing challenges related to “insufficient funding and heightened workloads” have been exacerbated by the additional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on funding, services, and overall well-being. The vacancy rate for adult social workers has seen its first increase in 6 years, rising from 7.5% to 9.5%. With an inadequately staffed and resourced workforce, there is a potential risk that social workers might struggle to fulfill their responsibilities as individuals, and teams could find themselves stretched beyond capacity [17].

Insufficient focus has been directed toward the capacity of the post-acute healthcare system to handle a substantial number of patients who have recovered from COVID-19. This phase occurs when patients transition from hospitals to long-term care facilities or return to their homes. The selection of a screening method, which encompasses options like telemedicine and other electronic health applications, hinges on the resources at hand, the state of the local healthcare infrastructure, and the accessibility of additional rehabilitative interventions [18]. The requirement to augment critical care capacity in England persists, involving strategies such as establishing field hospitals, leveraging private medical facilities, and mobilizing both former and recently graduated medical personnel. This enables the potential resumption of elective surgeries, either in part or in whole. Given the unpredictable trajectory of demand for COVID-19 care, it becomes imperative to frequently reevaluate the planning of elective procedures. This ongoing assessment and the vigilant monitoring of capacity are essential to ensure the timely provision of urgently required care [19].

Nigeria: Experiencing reduced motivation due to their expertise not being acknowledged through legal means, social workers are currently found in both secondary and tertiary healthcare levels in Nigeria; however, their roles remain suboptimal. There is a need to involve social workers in the COVID-19 response while acknowledging their significance and ensuring their active participation. The utilization of individuals who lack a social work background for social work tasks has been viewed as an exploitation of the profession, impeding its advancement within the healthcare system. There should be a prioritization of funding for social work units within healthcare. Despite this, social workers are minimally engaged in Nigeria. To effectively integrate social workers into the pandemic response, the inclusion of social work trainees as volunteers should also be considered [20].

Italy: Italy’s count of healthcare personnel per 1000 residents is comparatively lower than that of other European nations. Moreover, the ratio of nurses to doctors and the actual number of nurses falls below the average seen in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). To sum up, as Italy endeavors to return to normalcy through social and economic strategies, it is imperative for the country to simultaneously establish favorable conditions to strengthen its defense against the repercussions of the COVID-19 outbreak. This approach is crucial for maintaining the viability of both Public Health and National Health Service [21]. Consequently, the requirement for social work intervention emerges as a means to mitigate the challenges that arise in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. Social work challenges

Family grief: Experiencing remorse stemming from the incapacity to alleviate their family member’s anguish, enduring the strain of ongoing caregiving responsibilities, being unaware of accessible support services, and lacking the assurance to seek assistance from others, all while managing the emotional turmoil caused by the impending loss of a loved one [22].

Change work place: Amidst the pandemic, social workers encountered hurdles in adapting their work methods. The primary transformation underscored was the transition from in-person interactions to virtual platforms. Nonetheless, it was also noted that this shift could lead to the oversight of issues that might have been noticed if they were physically present in the same location [17].

Digital technology: An additional issue associated with a greater reliance on digital modes of work pertained to individuals from low-income households, senior citizens, and those with learning impairments who might lack access to digital technology [17].

Palliative care bias: However, the substantial frequency of changed goals of care (GOC) post-intervention indicates a noteworthy observation [23].

Interventions: Ensuring that disparities are not worsened or prolonged requires essential elements like transparency and inclusiveness during the formulation of allocation protocols [24]. The availability of sufficient material and human resources stands as fundamental pillars in managing this epidemic [25]. The swift implementation of mind-body services provided remotely to individuals has shown the substantial capacity of remote delivery in enhancing patient access to services with a high level of utilization and contentment [26].

Social workers have a responsibility to not only identify but also champion communities that persistently face the digital divide, a duty that extends beyond the pandemic. Additionally, advocating for both organizational and governmental measures to guarantee access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) for all clients is crucial. This situation presents a chance to establish service delivery models that are centered around clients, offering them a broader range of access alternatives [27].

6.1 Strengths and limitations

The incorporation of digital technology has yielded favorable outcomes for certain individuals. However, additional training is needed to enhance interaction and utilization with service users [28].

To safeguard the less privileged and enhance the management of available resources within the social framework, there is a requirement for enduring legislation. This would also involve scrutinizing societal reactions for improvement [29].

The provision of mental health and psychosocial support heavily relies on licensed social workers, forming the essential foundation [30].

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, social workers are grappling with unprecedented circumstances, requiring them to swiftly and extensively adapt to the multifaceted dimensions of the health, social, and economic aspects of the crisis. In the United Kingdom, the local level has primarily shaped the social work response, involving local authorities, health and social care trusts, and other entities responsible for employment and leadership, alongside some central government guidance. Throughout, social workers have been designated as essential workers. The UK’s experience with COVID-19 has brought to light gaps in national preparedness for pandemics as well as in comprehending the role and necessities of social workers in such emergency situations.

Fundamentally, social work is anchored in a human rights-based approach. The ethical foundation and purpose of social workers revolve around upholding human rights, a principle that remains unwavering even in times of crisis. In fact, during intricate and uncertain periods, adherence to universal human rights becomes even more crucial. The pandemic is exposing stark disparities in the impact of the crisis and the safeguarding of human rights across the United Kingdom. The stressors stemming from the pandemic and the challenges in addressing them carry the risk of eroding entitlements, diminishing rights, and eliminating protective measures. However, each individual within a community plays a significant part in assisting others and adhering to safety measures [12].

7. Contrast interventions

Scanning through selected literature, the contrast interventions by social workers are then expressed considering thematic analysis with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1.

Contrast interventions.

Figure 2.

Interventions assessment.

The analysis is reviewed in literature as captured in Figures 1 and 2.

7.1 Responsibility

In the United Kingdom, individuals working in private practice are handling fewer clients due to their own personal caregiving responsibilities. Despite the numerous challenges posed by the pandemic in terms of service delivery, social workers have persisted in delivering vital services to individuals, families, and communities [31].

In Australia, social workers in hospitals primarily handle situations involving matters of life and death and are highly conscious of the consequences that complex grief can have. Their work has predominantly focused on those directly affected. Grief is a shared experience, as bereavement remains a universal phenomenon. Likewise, the innovative approach of social workers in response to these challenges is also universal [32].

In Nigeria, the involvement of social work during the COVID-19 pandemic is of great significance. Nigerian social workers have essential roles to fulfill in the battle against COVID-19. These responsibilities encompass raising public awareness about preventive measures, educating communities, identifying and assisting the most vulnerable individuals during the pandemic, and aiding in the distribution of relief supplies to those in need. It is worth noting that the absence of social workers’ involvement in the distribution of relief supplies was a primary reason for these resources not reaching the intended recipients [33].

However, it should be acknowledged that some social workers may not be fully aware of the expectations placed on them during the pandemic. Additionally, some have observed that their training might have certain deficiencies, underscoring the importance of introducing new courses and enhancing practical field experience in the future training of social workers [34].

7.2 Collaboration/synergy

In Australia, it is crucial to prioritize the strengthening of international collaborations and initiatives aimed at fostering collective efforts among social workers when it comes to upholding values in times of uncertainty. While taking swift action and establishing partnerships may have been challenging during the crisis, it remains imperative for progress. Consequently, the core of social work endeavors in addressing uncertainty and aiding the most vulnerable individuals lies in collective actions and international advocacy [35].

In the United States, recognizing the importance of innovative solutions, compassionate practice, and taking pride in being part of a profession dedicated to compassion, fairness, resourcefulness, and driving societal change is crucial. Social work is not an individual endeavor; it requires unity and cooperation among various agencies to aid in decision-making [14]. Social workers have an increasing need to establish networks and collaborate with healthcare, social services, and both government and private organizations. For instance, the immediate requirement for additional shelter facilities prompted negotiations with the city government, clients’ families and friends, private-sector entities, healthcare organizations, and local art students. As the crisis persisted, further collaborative efforts were anticipated with software developers to locate and secure resources, develop effective health education applications, and monitor housing and service availability. Ultimately, the value of advocacy will continue to serve as a guiding principle in the social work response to issues of oppression and discrimination linked to the pandemic [36].

In Canada, social workers bear numerous burdens, including stress, fatigue, and burnout, as a consequence of their caring roles. Consequently, it is strongly recommended that we prioritize the cultivation of collaborative professional communities, especially at this juncture, to safeguard the well-being of social workers both during the pandemic and in the future [31].

In Nigeria, there is a recommendation to call upon international organizations like the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to expand and enhance their emergency food assistance and social protection programs. This expansion is essential to assist impoverished individuals in complying with stay-at-home regulations, particularly since their daily income barely covers their basic survival needs [37]. Furthermore, there is an emphasis on the need to professionalize the social work field, especially considering the substantial progress made in the developed world, which Nigeria has leaned on and adopted as a model [33].

In the United Kingdom, social workers’ responses to the crisis have transformed this pandemic into occasions to expand their range of practices, adapt and learn from one another, draw inspiration from international experiences, and harness their reflective, critical, and innovative skills to gain insights, devise novel solutions, and foster global solidarity [38]. In the United Kingdom, there is also an examination of young people transitioning from Out-of-Home Care, a practice that draws from the extended care programs found in the United States and England, and which has been adopted by Australian social work [39].

7.3 Creative responses

In the United Kingdom, amidst accounts of exhaustion, anxiety, and fear, there were also narratives of innovative responses, compassionate practice, and a sense of pride in belonging to a profession whose members are dedicated to being empathetic, just, resourceful, and catalysts for societal change. This can be described as heartwarming [14]. Social workers exhibited resilience in action, swiftly adapting to new practices, but at the same time, they expressed concerns about short-term efficiencies taking precedence over the individual needs of service users [28]. The demands placed on social workers often led to them making sacrifices in their work and personal social lives [39].

During the peak of the pandemic in the United Kingdom, increased support and adjustments to working practices, including the reordering of priorities and other initiatives, played a crucial role in improving the mental well-being and overall quality of working life for social workers. This is while acknowledging the well-documented pressures faced by social workers in the United Kingdom [28].

In Australia, the challenges introduced by COVID-19 to the role of social workers in bereavement care have compelled the exploration of innovative alternatives. Starting from early March 2020, healthcare professionals in Australia had to display remarkable adaptability in response to the evolving circumstances posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Social workers continued their work in acute hospital settings, often with an increased number of recruits or reassignments to COVID-19 wards. This transition resulted in a new daily routine within the hospital, complete with the implementation of safety protocols. These changes were dynamic and required a high degree of flexibility to adapt to them. Since the onset of the pandemic, social workers have had to adjust their bereavement practices to align with public health restrictions and the limitations on visitation [32].

7.4 Resources and strength

In the United Kingdom, social workers have had to tap into hidden reservoirs of resources and strengths they may not have been aware of. They are required to discover fresh approaches for supporting and fostering these strengths within themselves and among the people they serve [39].

In Australia, this perspective contributes significantly to the social work response during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future. It emphasizes that the effectiveness of social work relies heavily on social work educators, researchers, and practitioners recognizing the current challenges as opportunities and responding in ways that advance the theoretical models and practice framework of the social work profession. The country’s strengths-based approach serves as a basis for venturing into uncharted territories alongside the individuals they are assisting. This approach aims to help communities and societies transform their concerns into lasting solutions [40].

In the United States, the adoption of work stoppages in numerous states resulted in the loss of jobs, reduced income, and financial difficulties. There is a pressing need for renewed advocacy in the post-pandemic period to address gaps in health insurance coverage and the termination of insurance tied to employment status. Additionally, some individuals within the social work profession now find themselves unemployed and no longer eligible for benefits they once helped their clients access [36].

In Nigeria, the effectiveness of social workers in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly hampered due to a lack of recognition and professionalization. This limitation had a detrimental impact on their ability to function at their best. Consequently, there is an urgent need for the swift professionalization of social work in Nigeria, given its critical role in the well-being of the population. However, the absence of recognition and institutionalization of the profession undermined the efforts of Nigerian social workers to leverage their potential and secure assistance as a source of strength. The lack of involvement of social workers in the distribution of relief supplies was one of the primary reasons why these aids did not reach the intended recipients [33]. Moreover, corruption and a lack of accountability negatively impacted the effectiveness of social workers’ responses to the pandemic [41].

7.5 Compassion

In the United Kingdom, it is heartwarming to witness the compassionate practice and the sense of pride among professionals who are dedicated to being empathetic, just, resourceful, and advocates for societal change within their profession [14]. Social workers are currently facing the challenge of discovering innovative methods to cultivate and sustain these virtues in themselves and others. Additionally, it is with deep sadness that they also have to cope with the loss of friends and colleagues. Despite this, they continue to extend their humanity to social work students, colleagues, service users, and community members [39].

In Australia, social workers working in hospitals routinely encounter the realities of death and dying, and they employ a range of intervention strategies as part of their daily practice. Among these, social workers specializing in bereavement support primarily utilize a technique known as “companioning.” This approach involves being a supportive presence, witnessing and fully engaging with the intense grief experienced by individuals, creating a space for their emotions, and affirming the validity of their grief responses [32].

In Nigeria, the country’s significant diversity calls for a multifaceted approach that includes both food and cash assistance. Thus, during the pandemic, social workers can contribute by conducting research into the specific needs and experiences of vulnerable populations. This research helps ensure the distribution of food aid and cash transfers as viable means of sustenance for these groups. Additionally, social workers play a crucial role in collaborating with the government to develop culturally sensitive responses that effectively support people, including those in hard-to-reach communities [37].

7.6 Social justice

In the United Kingdom, it is essential to actively contemplate social justice endeavors aimed at recognizing the increasing discrepancies in healthcare that have become prominent during the pandemic. This entails adopting broader perspectives at the macro-level to tackle societal and health inequalities that hinder the daily responsibilities of all healthcare professionals [42].

Health systems need to show investment in safety and well-being and consider how to incorporate social justice initiatives into workplace culture.

In the United States, the fundamental principle of social justice is closely linked to the skills and duties of advocacy and policy reform. Social workers actively raise their voices against inequalities and injustices they encounter in the world. The Coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic have brought to the forefront several social justice and advocacy issues significant for social work professionals. One pressing concern is the “digital divide,” which restricts access to online counseling, support groups, and other services to those who can afford personal computers and internet access at home [36]. There is a compelling need to expand and implement broader, sustainable solutions to establish a new foundation of evidence for the profession. This is essential for practicing in alignment with the profession’s Code of Ethics and promoting social justice and human rights for all in the United States [40].

In Australia, the values of social justice and social change are deeply ingrained in social work education, particularly in critical social work [43]. There is an ongoing need to advocate further for those who are already marginalized and disempowered, especially during times of global crisis. Advocating for social justice becomes especially critical in periods of uncertainty when ethical principles are seriously challenged and disregarded [35].

In Nigeria, the significance of social workers has been largely overlooked, and instances of pilfering of relief supplies by those responsible for distribution have occurred. The psychosocial well-being of affected individuals has been left largely unaddressed in Nigeria [37]. Additionally, Agwu et al. [41] also highlight these issues:

Effectively mainstreaming social care and justice services into Nigeria’s healthcare led by well-trained social workers will improve the health sector via anticorruption.

The absence of social care and justice services within healthcare institutions in Nigeria exacerbated the adverse consequences [33].

7.7 Support packages

In Australia, they provided both tangible and emotional support by establishing a food bank and implementing a case management model to address various needs [44].

In the United Kingdom, social workers continue their efforts to enhance the quality of daily life within an evolving environment [31].

In Nigeria, the significance of social workers was completely overlooked, and the available resources were pilfered by those responsible for distribution. Meanwhile, the emotional and psychological well-being of affected individuals was largely neglected. Both food and cash assistance were required due to the significant diversity in the country (Table 1) [37].

Variables	Countries
	United Kingdom	United States	Canada	Australia	Italy	India	Nigeria
Responsibility	Strong			Strong		Weak	Weak
Collaboration/synergy	Strong	Strong	Strong	Strong			Weak
Creative responses	Strong			Strong
Resources and strength	Strong	Strong		Strong			Weak
Compassion	Strong			Strong			Strong
Social justice	Strong	Strong		Strong			Weak
Support pages	Strong			Strong			Weak

Table 1.

The contrast.

The contrast table depicts the results from the analyzed literature considering the variables indicated, thematized, and quantized in Figure 1.

8. Conclusion

This chapter has made a modest contribution by providing a research perspective to gain qualitative insights into the ethical dimensions of professional practice with regards to interventions. Assessing the effectiveness of various interventions has significant implications for shaping public health policies. To efficiently integrate social workers for intervention care, involves social work support in less developed countries.

Mental health practitioners must cultivate a high level of self-awareness and authenticity to effectively support their patients, recognizing how the pandemic has uniquely impacted each person [13]. In areas where there is resistance to adapting to the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic response, a reconsideration of policies may be necessary. Consequently, enhancing social work curricula, fieldwork practices, and social welfare policies holds great promise in addressing the enduring consequences of the pandemic [45].

Effective interventions by social workers should be founded on a comprehensive assessment of factors contributing to resource support, social justice, responsibility, and collaboration internationally. It is crucial to emphasize the need for expansion and action on a broader and long-lasting solution to establish a new evidence base for the social work profession in developing countries. This effort aligns with the profession’s Code of Ethics, promoting social justice and human rights for all.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.