Trauma centers: a new dimension for hospital social work

The development of the trauma center is one of the latest concepts in the delivery of emergency medical care. This paper proposes that social workers can play an important role in the initial management of trauma patients and their families. Through assessment, consultation, and direct intervention, social workers can provide a psychosocial component to trauma care. A prototype of a trauma center is discussed, along with case examples and implications for the role of social work.