Changes in Dialysis Social Workers’ Caseloads, Job Tasks, and Hourly Wages Since the Implementation of the 2008 Conditions for Coverage

Abstract

This study examined the job-related experiences of dialysis social workers since the implementation of the 2008 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Conditions for Coverage for End-Stage Renal Disease Facilities. Data were obtained from 231 part-time and 1,091 full-time dialysis social workers (N = 1,322) who responded to an online survey conducted in 2010 by the National Kidney Foundation Council of Nephrology Social Workers (NKF CNSW). Findings indicated that 41.2% of part-time and 50.1% of full-time social workers reported an increase in their patient caseloads. Similarly, 80.2% of part-time and 85.9% of full-time respondents reported an increase in job tasks, and 70.4% of the part-time and 76.6% of the full-time workers reported that they had insufficient time to provide psychosocial services to patients. Approximately one-half (49.2%) of full-time social workers indicated being somewhat or very dissatisfied with their caseloads, and more than one-half of part-time (50.4%) and full-time (52.8%) social workers indicated being somewhat or very dissatisfied with their job tasks. No differences in hourly wage changes were found between part- and full-time respondents since the implementation of the 2008 Conditions for Coverage. Implications for nephrology social work practice and research are discussed.