WK5Assgn_Hinton_K socw6204-1

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Walden University *

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6204

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Medicine

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Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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1 Role of Medical Social Work in Community Health Medical Centers Kiayis Santrell Hinton MSW, Walden University Medical Social Work 1, SOCW 6204 Dr. Teresa Harper Sunday, October 1 st , 2023

2 Medical Social Work in Community Health Medical Centers. Purpose and Focus: Community health medical centers serve a critical role in supplying comprehensive healthcare services to the communities they serve. These centers are designed to address the healthcare needs of a diverse population while emphasizing preventive care, health education, and improving overall community well-being (American Hospital Association, 2017). Medical social work plays an integral role within community health medical centers, with primary focus on addressing the psychosocial aspects of healthcare. Areas of focus for medical social work in these settings encompasses a wide range of services that includes but is not limited to psychosocial assessments , counseling and support , resource navigation , and advocacy . Medical social workers undertake thorough evaluations of patients' psychosocial needs, considering socioeconomic position, housing stability, family dynamics, and mental health. Medical social workers who conduct thorough assessments offer clients options that reflect a comprehensive awareness of the patient's circumstances. As medical social workers, we also provide therapy and emotional support to patients and families suffering with trauma, end-of-life care, or chronic illnesses, helping them in overcoming the emotional and psychological difficulties that result from such situations. Medical social workers address the socioeconomic determinants of health, medical social workers help patients find the right community resources, such as housing aid, food banks, mental health programs, and drug and alcohol treatment. Care Planning Process and Factors: Medical social workers and other healthcare professionals collaborate in the care planning process in the context of community medical healthcare. Evaluations, assessments, diagnoses, goal setting, interventions, and evaluations are some of the crucial parts of this process. Medical social workers use the evaluation phase of care planning, which entails gathering extensive data about the

3 patient's medical and psychosocial requirements. By conducting psychosocial evaluations and finding social determinants of health that may have an impact on the patient's wellbeing, medical social workers contribute. A diagnosis is made based on the evaluation results, considering not only the patient's medical state but also the social and emotional elements that affect their health. Goals are developed in consultation with the patient's healthcare team. Medical social workers supply a contribution by helping in the development of psychosocial goals that focus on family support, community resources, and emotional well-being. Medical social workers conduct patient-specific interventions. This can entail offering psychotherapy, putting patients in touch with support networks, or setting up the necessary social services. Additionally, the care plan is routinely examined and changed considering the patient's development. Medical social workers evaluate the efficacy of psychosocial therapy and push for changes as needed. Several significant factors must be considered during the care planning process: For medical social workers to supply patient-centered care, it is essential to understand and respect the patient's cultural beliefs and customs. Recognizing how the patient's financial position affects their ability to seek medical services and follow treatment regimens. recognizing the patient's family's role in the care plan and their support network or lack thereof. Collaboration and Challenges: Medical social workers are essential team members when creating care plans. By completing extensive assessments, medical social workers offer crucial insights into the patient's psychosocial requirements, which guide the creation of a comprehensive care plan. They contribute precision and skill in treating psychological aspects of treatment. Additionally, medical social workers try to ensure that the patient's psychosocial requirements are met by the medical staff and are included in the treatment plan. Medical social workers bridge the gap between medical care and social support by connecting patients with local resources.

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