A walk-in and telephone inquiry service: a function of a hospital social work department

This article describes a study undertaken to evaluate the Walk-In and Telephone Inquiry Service provided by a social work department in a general hospital division of a large, voluntary, metropolitan teaching hospital. The major social work function provided in such a service is information and referral; to provide this service, a psychosocial evaluation and counseling are essential. This service is valuable to and utilized by many individuals, professionals and community agencies. It can become the point where individuals enter the health care system. Issues related to policy making, institutional costs and cost benefits are discussed.