You are meeting the parents of a 2-year-old with persistent asthma who struggle financially. To support them, to which provider should you refer?

Referring the parents of a 2-year-old with persistent asthma to a social worker is a thoughtful choice particularly because social workers are trained to assess and address social determinants of health. These professionals can assist families experiencing financial difficulties by identifying resources such as financial assistance programs, community resources, and support services that can help alleviate some of the burdens associated with managing a chronic condition like asthma.

Social workers can also provide guidance and support in navigating healthcare systems and may help connect these families with programs that offer low-cost or free medications, transportation services for medical appointments, or access to nutrition and housing assistance. Their expertise in the social and emotional aspects of healthcare makes them invaluable in ensuring that families have comprehensive support while managing their child's asthma.

In contrast, other providers, such as primary care physicians, pharmacists, and asthma specialists, are essential in addressing the clinical management of asthma, including medication management and treatment plans. However, they may not have the specialized knowledge or resources to adequately support the family's financial needs as effectively as a social worker could.