[Existing and possible working areas for social workers in the public health service of Berlin and Brandenburg].

Standardised questionnaires were used to examine in which Public Health Service areas of Berlin and Brandenburg (Germany) social workers are currently active. The main goal was to ascertain the working approaches and primary areas of their activities. Another aim was to look into the co-operation between public health service and resident doctors, mutual aid groups, out-patient services and social services in other institutions (hospitals, health insurance, services for disabled persons and nursing homes). It was also examined whether current social and economical changes raise a need for new counselling offers from the public health service for other target groups (unemployed, women and homeless persons).