Education of Social Workers in Addictology: Analysis of Social Work Study Programmes in the Czech Republic
Abstract
Background | Since the very beginning of social work, practitioners have encountered clients who have problems with addiction. Specialised academic training of social workers as potential professionals to work with addicted clients is key to their sufficient command of vocational competencies.
Aim | This paper aims to analyse the content of social work curricula in higher education in the Czech Republic in terms of the representation of addictology-related subjects. Methods | Social work study programmes were selected by means of the total sampling technique and searched for on the basis of the definition of professional competency laid down inthe Act on Social Services in specialised schools and bachelor's university programmes.
The PRISMA method and flow diagram were used to show the results and programmes which met the inclusion criteria. The curricula were analysed and addictological subjects identified by using pre-defined keywords.
The last step was to analyse the content of addictologyoriented subjects which were categorised using the pattern identification method. Results | In total, 17 curricula at higher vocational schools and 55 university bachelor's programmes in social work were identified.
At least one subject involving the basics of addiction studies was identified in 76% of the higher vocational school programmes and 89% of the university curricula. The subjects that focused specifically on addictology were found in four higher vocational school programmes and nine university ones.
As the structure, number of lessons, and optionality vary across programmes, it was not possible to analyse them fully and obtain enough information with regard to the particular content of the subjects. Conclusion | Education of social workers in the field of addictology should be extended.
The study programmes should incorporate subjects that offer enough addictologyspecific information and practical knowledge.