Perspectives of social workers regarding the Olmstead Law: An action research study.

摘要

This action research study examined the perspectives of 8 social workers regarding the Olmstead Law. The Olmstead v. L.C. (1999) is a federal law enacted by Congress to prevent extended hospital stays for patients who have been deemed as ready for discharge. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the Olmstead Law and/or current mental health practices are causing gaps in service delivery. The study incorporated the systemic approach to social policy analysis developed by Gil (1970). Qualitative data collection methods such as demographic surveys, interview questions and researcher field notes were incorporated and research participants were selected via purposeful sampling. The study enhanced knowledge, empowered those directly involved, served as a platform for discussions about whether the Olmstead Law should be modified determined whether there is a need to restructure social and/or hospital policies, and offered recommendations for ways to improve service delivery outcomes for inpatients and other subgroups of undocumented immigrants seeking social services.