The role of the cardiovascular social worker

The clinical social worker is an integral component of the Integrated Care Model used in the Cardiovascular Program at Children's Hospital (Boston). This article provides the reader with an understanding of the social worker's role with families and as part of the interdisciplinary team. Case examples are used to illustrate the key components of clinical social work practice, including crisis intervention, solution-focused treatment, and grief counseling. The importance of maintaining sensitivity to cultural differences in working with families is discussed.