Social work and the new integrative hospital

The principles of bureaucratically organized hospitals are counter to the values of social work. In a move to new integrative hospitals, social work can be the champions. The values of the social work profession that emphasize negotiation, change, flexibility, relationships, choice and control, the right to exercise autonomy, and participatory decision-making, are congruent with the principles that form the foundation for the new integrative models for hospitals. A model for the organization of social work practice, continuing education, standard setting, research and the student program. The Professional Standards Group, is proposed for the new hospital age.