Social work in the health field

Health care delivery systems are under careful and systematic scrutiny. Particular concerns are the availability and access of health care to those in the lower and middle income groups and the escalating costs of health care which until quite recently have exceeded annual inflationary rates of increase. Efforts in social work in the health field have reflected these developments. Programmatic trends in health and social work now emphasize ambulatory care and are reflected in the concept of primary care medicine. Deinstitutionalization as a preferred program for patients is under review with particular emphas -is on providing adequate supportive services to maintain patients in a home care environment. Social work is a major discipline contributing to these programs through appropriate interventive measures. Moreover, the role of the social worker, because of involvement with front line community activities, is particularly suited to make a substantial contribution to this trend.