Social Work beyond the classroom: in the care of COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: The article systematizes the process and results of an experience between the academy and the health authorities of Costa Rica. The initiative finds its genesis during the year 2020, in the midst of the social and health crisis faced worldwide due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Authorities from the Ministry of Health of the San Carlos area and the School of Social Work of the University of Costa Rica agreed on an alliance to support health teams in monitoring people diagnosed with COVID-19 in the region.

Objectives: With the participation of a team of ETSoc teachers, students, and administrators, the challenge of actively joining national efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and care for the affected population was assumed.

Method and technique: Psychosocial care made it possible to address the basic, emotional and social needs of the people who were followed up. The structured interview conducted by telephone using a form facilitated the processing and analysis of information in real time.

Results: The project managed to provide telephone follow-up on the state of physical and emotional health of people in quarantine, adding to the institutional efforts to control the transmission chain of COVID-19 and offer psychological first aid to the target population.

Conclusions: The results show the relevance of inter-institutional alliances in the attention of the national emergency and the great potential of university social action as a substantive activity of the public university.