The Role of Social Workers in Assisting Patients' Adaptation to Health Conditions: A Comprehensive Review

Authors

  • AL Dosari, Alhanouf Saeed Mohammed
  • AL Shammari, Maram Hlayel Khalaf
  • AL Mutairy, Rehab Alhumaidi Raja’Allah
  • AL Solami, Khalid Aqall

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53555/eijhss.v5i1.203

Abstract

Social workers play a crucial role in assisting patients to adapt to their health conditions, providing essential psychosocial support and resources. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted role of social workers in healthcare settings, examining their contributions to patient well-being and adaptation. The review synthesizes findings from various empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and current practices to provide a detailed understanding of how social workers facilitate patient adaptation. Key interventions include emotional support, resource connection, and advocacy, which have been shown to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. However, social workers also face significant challenges and barriers, such as limited resources and recognition. This review highlights the importance of integrating social work into healthcare teams and the need for policy support to enhance their effectiveness. Future research directions are identified to address gaps in the literature and further understand the impact of social workers on patient adaptation. This review underscores the critical role of social workers in healthcare and advocates for greater support and recognition of their contributions to patient care.

Author Biographies

AL Dosari, Alhanouf Saeed Mohammed

Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs

 

AL Shammari, Maram Hlayel Khalaf

Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs

AL Mutairy, Rehab Alhumaidi Raja’Allah

Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs

AL Solami, Khalid Aqall

Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs

References

• Beder, J. (2006). Hospital social work: The interface of medicine and caring. Routledge.

• Beresford, P., Croft, S., & Adshead, L. (2007). 'We Don’t See Her as a Social Worker': A Service User Case Study of the Importance of the Social Worker’s Relationship and Humanity. British Journal of Social Work, 37(8), 1259-1274.

• Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The Ecology of Human Development: Experiments by Nature and Design. Harvard University Press.

• Cagle, J. G., & Kovacs, P. J. (2009). Education: A complex and empowering social work intervention. Health & Social Work, 34(1), 17-27.

• Christ, G. H., & Blacker, S. (2005). Bereavement and grief in palliative care: a public health crisis and opportunity. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 8(S1), S-282-S-293.

• Engel, G. L. (1977). The need for a new medical model: a challenge for biomedicine. Science, 196(4286), 129-136.

• Gellis, Z. D., Kim, J. C., & Hwang, S. C. (2007). New York State social work education consortium: Innovative partnerships for educating geriatric social workers. Social Work Education, 26(1), 18-32.

• Gitterman, A. (2014). Handbook of Social Work Practice with Vulnerable and Resilient Populations. Columbia University Press.

• Mizrahi, T., & Berger, C. S. (2001). Effect of a changing health care environment on social work leaders: Obstacles and opportunities in hospital social work. Social Work, 46(2), 170-182.

• Mizrahi, T., & Davis, L. E. (2008). The Encyclopedia of Social Work (20th ed.). Oxford University Press.

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (2008). Code of Ethics. NASW Press.

• Northen, H. (1995). Clinical Social Work: Knowledge and Skills. Columbia University Press.

• Parker-Oliver, D., Bronstein, L., & Kurzejeski, L. (2005). Examining variables related to successful collaboration on the hospice team. Health & Social Work, 30(4), 279-286.

• Saleebey, D. (1996). The strengths perspective in social work practice: Extensions and cautions. Social Work, 41(3), 296-305.

• Shulman, L. (2009). Interactional Supervision. NASW Press.

Downloads

Published

2020-03-06