Marta García-Domingo

Across much of Europe, and increasingly beyond it, proximity-based social services, local and community-rooted, are the first place where social protection meets people

In order to improve to improve the well-being of migrants, it is necessary to promote their proper integration in host countries. The present research aims to analyze the way in which migration motives influence integration processes, thus offering a point of reference for the approach of social work interventions with migrants. For this purpose, four group interviews were conducted using a qualitative grounded theory methodology. The results revealed that migrants who moved for educational purposes experienced easier integration; those who migrated due to humanitarian crises faced greater challenges; employment-driven migrants highlighted successful integration into the labor market, and those who migrated for family reasons benefited from the presence of family in the host country. The conclusions indicate that the reasons for migration significantly impact the integration of migrants in the host country.

Epidermolysis Bullosa is a group of rare genodermatoses characterized by extreme mucocutaneous fragility, significantly affecting the quality of life of those who live with the condition and their families, thereby making integrated and coordinated social work intervention with other health and social care professionals essential. This qualitative descriptive study examines social work practice with individuals with Epidermolysis Bullosa through online open-ended surveys administered to twenty professionals, analyzed using a reflexive thematic approach. The findings reveal key barriers, including the lack of specialized training, the absence of standardized protocols, and administrative complexity, as well as the need to address intersectional factors that exacerbate socioeconomic vulnerability. Despite these challenges, social work intervention contributes to enhancing family autonomy, improving caregiver well-being, and promoting social, educational, and occupational inclusion. The study highlights the importance of strengthening such interventions through interinstitutional coordination, the development of structured protocols, and the central role of community social services. In conclusion, advancing specialized training and consolidating coordination structures may significantly improve the quality of care and the well-being of affected individuals and their families.

Abuse against older adult women remains a serious public health issue and a flagrant violation of human rights in Spain. However, research specifically addressing abuse against older adult women is still limited, contributing to a significant gap in scientific knowledge. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of overall abuse, and its different forms, experienced by older adult women (≥ 60 years) in a specific area of Eastern Andalusia, Spain, over the past twelve months, and to identify associated risk factors. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 209 non-institutionalised older adult women, using the Geriatric Mistreatment Scale and collecting sociodemographic and lifestyle data. A high prevalence of abuse was found, with 49.3% of participants reporting some type of abuse, with psychological abuse being the most common (36.4%), followed by physical (23.0%), economic (13.9%), sexual (11.0%) and neglect (7.7%). Factors such as age, marital status, self-perceived health status and feelings of loneliness were identified as significant risk factors. These findings highlight the need to strengthen detection, prevention and response strategies within community and household settings, particularly by equipping primary care, social services and other community-based professionals—especially social workers—with the skills to identify both overt and subtle forms of abuse experienced by older adult women living at home.

Background and Aims: Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic disorder causing extreme mucocutaneous fragility, requiring specialized, multidisciplinary care. Integrating palliative care into Epidermolysis bullosa management has proven beneficial in symptom control and psychosocial support. The aim of this study was to analyze the interdisciplinary intervention of the Dermatology Service and the Palliative Care and Complex Chronic Patient Team at Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in pediatric patients with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. Methods: A descriptive qualitative design was used to explore the experiences of parents of children with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa and healthcare professionals at Sant Joan de Déu Hospital. Internal protocols were analyzed and open online surveys were conducted. Families were recruited through purposive sampling with DEBRA España's support, while healthcare professionals were invited from the Dermatology Service and the Palliative Care and Complex Chronic Patient Team. Results: The joint interdisciplinary intervention between the Dermatology Service and the Palliative Care and Complex Chronic Patient Team at SJDH, grounded in a palliative care approach, provides holistic and continuous support to patients and their families from birth throughout the entire life course. It incorporates spiritual care and community coordination, fosters autonomy and social inclusion, and aligns with international best practices established by specialized centers such as EB House Austria. This model stands as a replicable benchmark for the care of individuals with EB. Conclusions: This qualitative study suggests that an interdisciplinary care model, grounded in palliative care and implemented from an early stage in a sustained manner, improves the quality of life of pediatric patients with RDEB and their families. The coordination between clinical and psychosocial teams, together with person‐centered care, enhances family autonomy, promotes inclusion and addresses the comprehensive needs across the life course.

Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic disorder characterized by extreme mucocutaneous fragility. The healthcare coverage in Argentina is divided into the public sector, social security, and the private sector. This study examines how this segmentation affects the socio-healthcare management of patients with EB, identifying barriers and challenges. A descriptive phenomenological qualitative design was employed. The sample included 91 participants: parents of minors with EB ( n = 54), adults with EB ( n = 26), and socio-healthcare professionals ( n = 11). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and open-ended online surveys. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti software. Health system segmentation negatively impacts the care of individuals with EB, alongside other factors such as deficient interdisciplinary coordination, the lack of protocols for transitioning from pediatric to adult care, centralization and scarcity of specialized services, and significant disparities in access to wound-care products and treatments. Healthcare inequities exacerbate the vulnerability of individuals with EB and their families. The disparities in socio-healthcare access for individuals with EB in Argentina are closely linked to the segmentation of the healthcare system. While the National Program for Rare Diseases represents progress, there remains an urgent need to implement a national plan that ensures equitable access to treatment, interdisciplinary teams, and specialized training.

Population ageing and the increase in life expectancy have heightened the demand for long-term care in residential facilities. In Spain, it is projected that by 2054 the functional dependency rate among those aged 65 and over will exceed 53.0%, posing significant challenges for person-centred care. This study aims to examine institutionalised older adults’ perceptions of care in relation to their functional dependency, and how these perceptions shape their dignity and participation in residential life. A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was conducted in a residential facility located in the north-east of Andalusia, Spain, involving eight residents with varying degrees of autonomy and dependency. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and analysed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. The findings revealed that, as dependency increases, care is perceived as more impersonal, generating feelings of diminished dignity and greater exclusion. In addition, limitations were observed in communication and participation in residential life. Respect for privacy and personal preferences was particularly relevant for women. The study concludes that the care received is conditioned by the degree of dependency and the resources available. It is recommended to enhance staff training, increase staffing levels, and promote the active participation of residents.

This systematic review examines the impact of prioritisation and eligibility criteria on social services’ intake processes. By analysing 22 studies from nine countries over three decades, this review identifies key patterns in how these criteria influence access to social assistance. Using thematic analysis, this study highlights that automation has improved efficiency by reducing administrative costs and wait times, but has also created access barriers for older adults, migrants, and individuals with limited digital skills. Additionally, gender and intersectionality play a crucial role, with men facing stricter eligibility requirements and migrant women experiencing higher approval rates. The findings also reveal that professionals’ subjective perceptions influence decisions, introducing biases that affect equitable resource distribution. While prioritisation systems streamline service delivery, they also lead to inconsistencies across different social service centres, potentially reinforcing social inequalities. This review emphasises the need to balance efficiency with fairness, ensuring that eligibility criteria do not become exclusionary mechanisms.

INPLASY2024110121 Professional interventions from social work in situations of domestic violence: A comprehensive scoping review Keywords: Social work, intevention, domestic violence. Read and down…

Background: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) comprises a group of rare types of genodermatoses characterized by extreme mucocutaneous fragility, leading to blistering and/or erosions, even with minimal trauma. Continuous care through wound management is an integral part of daily life for the families and individuals affected. The aim of this study was to assess the social reality and impacts on families of having minor members diagnosed with EB in Spain.Methods: A qualitative methodology was employed, utilizing four focus groups entailing participation by 24 parents (19 mothers and five fathers) of minors diagnosed with EB in Spain.Results: Negative impacts on the family nucleus were evident in four priority areas of analysis: sociorelational, economic‐labour, physical and psychoemotional, with significant differences observed based on the severity of the symptoms.Conclusion: Impacts on the family nucleus are noticeable from birth, influencing all other daily life routines and complicating family planning and organization. There is an imperative need to enhance the availability of sociohealth resources and to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to address their biopsychosocial needs.Patient or Public Contribution: The active participation of relatives of minors diagnosed with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is invaluable to sociohealth professionals, legislators and researchers. A team member conducts their professional activities at DEBRA España (national patient association dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with EB and their families), actively engaging in all study phases.