DRGs and hospital social work: when policy guides practice

Since the early 1980s cost containment policies have changed the practice of hospital social work. Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs), a cost containment mechanism, have increased the caseloads of hospital social workers, and placed a greater emphasis on discharge planning. In this article DRGs are described, and their function is discussed from a social work perspective. The literature surrounding DRGs and the role of the hospital social worker is addressed. Recommendations are made for social workers to evaluate the policies affecting their practice. It is proposed that if social workers understand policies, their origins, and how policies affect practice, then they can have greater influence as advocates and policy makers.