Sixty years ago: hospital social work in 1918

The year 1918 marked a juncture in the development of social work in health sare. During that year, the fledgling group of hospital social workers responded to needs created by World War I, the influenza pandemic, and epidemics of tuberculosis and venereal disease. At the same time, in order to meet these needs and to professionalize their services, they formed a professional organization, published two new journals, and expanded opportunities for professional education. Examination of these matters helps to explain the place and direction of hospital social work exactly 60 years ago.