SOCIAL WORKER (MSW). pptx

Sociology

1. SOCIAL WORKER DR KRINA TRIVEDI (PT) MPT IN MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AND SPORTS

2. MEANING OF SOCIAL WORK Social work is a term used to describe a variety of organized methods of helping people in some need, which they cannot meet unaided. In the 19th century it was developed as an organized method in UK and USA to help the poor people for their material and spiritual welfare. Later it was extended to the promotion of health as well as mental and emotional well being . These days social work has become a professionalized activity . Since the later part of the 20th century, there are several universities offering specialized advanced courses in social work.

3. METHODS OF SOCIAL WORK Social work methods fall into three main categories: 1 . Social casework : Which is concerned with individuals and their families. 2. Social group work : In which associations with others is the primary therapeutic agent, and 3 . Community work: In which the focus is on the development and utilization of neighborhood and community resources.

4. ROLE OF A MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER The role a medical social worker (MSW) has been increasingly receiving significant attention in medical profession in India since last three decades. In most of the large cities, MSWs are being appointed in hospitals, public health centers etc. They are also engaged in community health programs. Recently, some of the industrial firms have also started creating positions of social workers in their establishmen ts. Although most of the MSWs are employed in the hospitals run by state government, central government and municipal corporations . But psychiatrists and physicians also employ some MSWs . According to National survey of Licensed Social Workers, hospitals are the most common primary employment setting for healthcare social workers .

5. 1. Securing material help for patient : MSW in hospitals help patient and his or her family in procuring expensive medicines and treatment facilities. To the hospital this turn out to be the most useful service as it ensured money and other material help necessary for proper treatment. 2. Casework service: Usually people display certain social and emotional reactions to their disease. Some are able to cope with it unaided, but there are others who need help and guidance in meeting their social and emotional difficulties . MSW provides this service considering the each case separately. MSWs establish professional relationships with the patient and help the patient at the time of diagnosis and treatment. 3. Discharge of patients: The MSW follows up the case even after discharge and helps patient by catering to physical, emotional and economic needs. With the rise of modern complex society-based on industrial urban set up such a role of MSW is becoming increasingly significant. This is happening due to the fact that traditional support systems such as joint family, caste, etc. are fast declining in this respect .

6. 4. Group work service: The MSW serves the patients by conducting recreational, educational and therapeutic group activities in the wards and hospitals. At time they take up such activities for physically or mentally handicapped persons also. 5. Community planning for health and happiness : The MSW’s role is equally significant in planning for community health in urban and rural areas both. They also work as motivators in community health programs such as vaccination drive, family planning programs , creating awareness about health and hygiene, etc.

7. FUNCTIONS OF MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER Hospital social workers help patients and their families understand a particular illness, work through the emotions of a diagnosis, and provide counselling about the decisions that need to be made. Social workers are also essential members of interdisciplinary hospital teams. Working in concert with doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, social workers sensitize other healthcare providers to the social and emotional aspects of a patient's illness. Hospital social workers use case management skills to help patients and their families address and resolve the social, financial and psychological problems related to their health condition. Job functions that a social worker might perform within a hospital include: Initial screening and evaluation of patient and families. Comprehensive psychosocial assessment of patients. Helping patients and families understand the illness and treatment options, as options, as well as consequences of various treatments or treatment refusal .

8. Helping patients/families to adjust hospital admission; possible role changes; exploring emotional/social responses to illness and treatment Educating patients on the role of healthcare team members; assisting patients and families in communicating with one another and to members of healthcare team; interpreting information Educating patients on the levels of health care (i.e. acute, subacute, home care); entitlements; community resources; and advance directives. Facilitating decision making on behalf of patients and families. Employment crisis intervention.

9. Diagnosing underlying mental illness; providing or making referrals for individual, family and group psychotherapy Educating hospital staff on patient psychosocial issues Promoting communication and collaboration among healthcare Coordinating patient discharge and continuity of care planning Promoting patient navigation services Arranging for resources/funds to finance medications, durable medical equipment and other needed services Ensuring communication and understanding about post-hospital care among patient, family and healthcare team members Advocating for patient and family needs in different settings- also inpatient, outpatient, home and in the community . Championing the healthcare rights of patients through advocacy at the policy level.

10. To sum up, the role of medical social worker includes following : a. To stimulate socialization: Among patients through casework and group work, etc. b. To provide emotional support encouragement to the patients through sharing of experience with them as to help the later in managing their disease or disability. c. To motivate patients to follow medical recommendations and their exercise program. d. To participate in education, training and orientation program of the hospital. e. To participate in community planning as related to the interests of the hospital. f. To participate in planning and development of services within the hospital.