| Sumario: | The article focuses on the concept of "sludge," a term from behavioral economics describing bureaucratic obstacles that hinder individuals’ access to healthcare, and its relevance to social work practice. Sludge manifests as complicated administrative processes, such as electronic health record (EHR) inefficiencies and transportation coordination challenges, which create barriers and psychological burdens for patients and social workers alike. The article suggests that understanding sludge can help social workers move beyond reactive roles toward proactive advocacy for systemic change, aligning with ethical principles like self-determination. Incorporating behavioral economics frameworks into social work education and practice may enhance efforts to reduce these barriers and promote healthcare equity for underserved populations.
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