Social workers play a vital role in many facets of society. From ensuring that families are connected with resources to thrive to making sure that children are being provided with the proper access to education, these professionals help to make our country a better and more equitable place.
One area in particular where social workers are crucial is that of health settings. Gaining a better perspective on how social workers aid patients in health settings is key to understanding the importance of these irreplaceable professionals.
Here’s the essential role of social workers in health settings.
Coordinating Care
One of the most disjointed aspects of healthcare is the coordination of care from different types of specialists and healthcare professionals. Oftentimes, the unique health plans of individuals are difficult to coordinate, especially when they involve a wide variety of disparate health professionals.
This problem is exacerbated when individuals who are unfamiliar with the healthcare system need to see specialists. Fortunately, social workers play a key role in aiding these patients and ensuring that they’re getting all of the care, treatment, and medical support they require.
In essence, social workers help patients schedule different appointments with different specialists to ensure that patients are getting the right care. In some circumstances, social workers even communicate directly with various healthcare professionals to streamline the process and get patients the best care possible.
As can be seen, the American healthcare system wouldn’t function nearly as smoothly without the help of social workers. As such, this is just one of many examples that display the vital importance of having social workers in health settings.
Advocating for Patients
While there have been many efforts over the years to make healthcare more equitable in the United States, the truth is that there is still a wide variety of problems that need to be addressed. In particular, patients from marginalized groups often don’t receive the best healthcare treatments, meaning they aren’t being treated fairly by the healthcare system.
Fortunately, social workers are there to help these individuals receive the best treatment and understand the complicated factors that make up the healthcare system. As a result, many patients who would otherwise receive suboptimal care are able to be cared for effectively. In addition, this is why diversity in social work is becoming a greater priority in the modern age.
Some examples of patient advocacy performed by social workers include educating patients about different aspects of the healthcare system and connecting patients to healthcare resources that can help them thrive. Without these admirable professionals performing this work, many patients would be overwhelmed by the healthcare system and would experience poor health outcomes as a result.
Connecting Patients with Mental Health Resources
Though it would seem intuitive for physical health and mental health to be treated together, the truth is that the American healthcare system keeps them completely separate. As a result, many healthcare professionals simply aim to treat physical ailments without worrying about the mental health struggles that patients are facing.
However, licensed clinical social workers are able to bridge this gap by assessing patients for mental health problems and subsequently connecting them with a variety of mental health resources. This can include support groups, therapists, and even free mental health resources.
Ultimately, this work that’s performed by social workers helps to ensure that a greater portion of the population experiences good mental health. As such, it’s clear that social workers play a key role in the American healthcare system today.
Supporting Patients and Their Families Through Difficult Times
From dealing with the stress of medical illnesses to planning discharge schedules, getting medical care can be complicated and difficult. As a result, many patients and their loved ones are often overwhelmed by the process.
Thankfully, social workers have the skills and training to help support patients and their families through these trying times. In terms of support, social workers can provide patients and their families with practices to help alleviate stress and feel more in control. As a result, receiving medical care and battling health ailments becomes more manageable.
When it comes to discharge planning, social workers can walk patients and their families through the process and help them decide which unique practices should be implemented. As can be seen, the work of social workers in healthcare settings is invaluable for countless patients and their families.
Social Workers Play a Vital Role in Healthcare
While there are many different healthcare professionals who play important roles in the modern healthcare system, social workers can be seen as the glue that holds the system together. From advocating for patients to helping them with discharge planning, their impact can’t be understated. Hopefully, as time goes on, more people will recognize the crucial and admirable role that social workers play in the American healthcare system.
