The conference, organised by Àltima and the WeCare Chair at UIC Barcelona, opened with a panel discussion entitled “The path travelled and future challenges”, which gave the floor to social work professionals from leading healthcare institutions and to patient representatives who shared their experiences and insights.

Throughout the day, various round tables allowed participants to explore and debate issues related to the social care experience of patients, families and professionals; teaching, training and research in the sector; leadership, innovation and professional care; the value of social workers in the field of mental health; ethics and bioethics in healthcare social work; and the profession’s future challenges.  

One of the key moments of the conference was the contribution by Dr Cristina Monforte, co-director of the WeCare Chair, during the round table on teaching, training and research. In a talk entitled “Losing the fear of research”, Dr Monforte highlighted the essential role of healthcare social work in academia and research and emphasised the need to incorporate scientific evidence into daily professional practice.

As the organisers of the conference noted, “events like this one are designed to recognise, promote and support the essential work of healthcare social workers, who have carved out a place for themselves with unwavering commitment to society and remarkable sensitivity”.