Medical Social Services
Helping the Patient and Family Plan for Hospital Discharge

Being hospitalized can cause an interruption of life activities for you as the patient and for your loved ones. Concerns about finances, on-going care after leaving the hospital, the effects of illness on your family, and possible adjustment to a new lifestyle may hinder rehabilitation and recovery. You and your loved ones can be faced with decisions for which you have little preparation or expertise. The Medical Social Work staff at Baptist Health is available to help identify and meet your emotional and psycho-social needs. The process starts with an assessment of your situation by a trained social worker.

Medical Social Services Activities

Medical social workers are available to review your medical record, talk with the health care staff, and come to your room to talk with you. Social workers participate in multi-disciplinary rounds which bring together a wide range of professionals from pharmacy, rehabilitation, pastoral care, and nutrition services to coordinate an integrated plan of health care. The social worker will gather information regarding your situation and will proactively help you identify and address barriers to your smooth transition throughout the continuum of care.

Examples of social worker activities include:

• Exploring options for Support Systems (e.g., telephone response system if living alone, support groups such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, American Diabetes Association)
• Making referrals to community agencies (Home Health Care, Meals on Wheels, transportation services)
• Assisting with communication to physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals
• Arranging for medical equipment prescribed by your doctor (e.g., hospital beds, wheelchairs, ventilators, walkers, oxygen)
• Identifying and coordinating living arrangements if home is not an option at the time of discharge
• Providing supportive counseling and assisting with problem-solving regarding social problems that may impact your home environment (e.g., domestic violence, substance / alcohol abuse)

Discharge planning and psychosocial interventions are provided in collaboration with the entire medical team and are subject to approval by your physician, you, and/or your designated representative.

Uniquely Qualified

The Social Work staff at Baptist Health are Masters prepared and most have either attained or are working toward licensure as a clinical social worker. The staff works closely with Utilization Management nurses and is knowledgeable regarding financial resources (e.g. insurance, Medicare, options under specific plans) and can help you navigate through continuing care decisions.

Hospitalization can create stress for you and your loved ones as you enter new surroundings and deal with medical matters. Depending on the circumstances, an individual's coping skills can become over-taxed. As hospital-based social workers, our staff understands the problems that can accompany illness. They are trained and experienced in mental health counseling, crisis intervention, dealing with people under stress and have insight into human relationships. Social workers plan with you to remove any barriers to your ongoing care. As your advocate, they consult with you and do much of the "legwork" involved in planning for post-discharge care.

How does the Social Worker get Involved?

Social workers may become involved due to a:

• patient or family member request for medical social services
• recommendation by physician or other medical staff
• patient's diagnosis
• life situations

Baptist Health recognizes the importance of identifying and addressing your needs as they evolve throughout your stay and discharge. The medical social work staff take the lead in this effort. There is no charge for this service.