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Patient representative programs: a social work perspective
Social Work in Health Care
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Patient representatives are a growing occupation in hospitals. This study explores their roles and potential impact on hospital social work services.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Administration
- Human Services
- Social Work
Background:
- Patient representatives are an emerging occupation in healthcare settings.
- Their roles share similarities with traditional social work functions.
- This creates potential overlap and questions regarding professional domains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the role and functions of patient representatives.
- To survey hospitals with both patient representative and social work programs.
- To examine the implications of this new occupation for hospital social workers.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of the patient representative role.
- Survey research conducted across hospitals.
- Qualitative examination of inter-occupational issues.
Main Results:
- Patient representative roles are expanding rapidly within hospitals.
- Significant overlap exists between patient representative and social work duties.
- Hospitals are integrating these roles with varying structures.
Conclusions:
- The rise of patient representatives presents challenges and opportunities for hospital social work.
- Clearer role delineation and collaboration strategies are needed.
- Further research should explore optimal integration models for patient support services.