Social Work Service
Social work is an academic and professional discipline that seeks to facilitate the welfare of communities, individuals and societies. It may promote social change, development, cohesion, and empowerment. Underpinned by theories of social sciences and guided by principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversities, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.
A social work service in a hospital is organized to provide services such as case management (linking clients with agencies and programs that will meet their psychosocial needs including finance), counseling and psychotherapy services.
A. Counselling/Psychotherapy : assess role of emotional and social/cultural factors on health status and behaviour and provide appropriate intervention; enhance coping capacities related to feelings of loss, grief and role changes; assess and intervene related to mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, anger management.
B. Patient/FamilyEducation : educate patients and families to facilitate understanding of hospital processes; increase understanding of illness/disability on relationships; and facilitate life transitions when health conditions require a modified lifestyle.
C. ResourceCounsellingandDischargePlanning : identify and address barriers to discharge; locate resources; identify options and available supports; facilitate referrals and applications to government/community agencies; advocate for access to resources; coordinate referrals and/or placement plans; assist patient and family to emotionally prepare for transitions; prevent readmissions for non-medical reasons.