The social work role in hospital discharge planning: an administrative case history

This paper examines the historic and contemporary commitment of social work to discharge planning in the context of current threats from external systems as well as dilemmas within the profession. Through the examination of events in one hospital, the authors identify legislative and fiscal trends and place the social work role with its specific skills and knowledge at the forefront of the planning process. Finally, there is a discussion of crucial developments and implications for directions and for needed professional growth.