The social worker's record of the hospitalized patient: a physician's perspective

An approach to recording data related to the personality psychosocial profile of hospitalized patients is described. The approach is based on a standard format that consists of: (A) risk factors that may increase the patient's susceptibility to disease, (B) resources that may help patients cope with it, (C) extent of the patient's disability and dependence on others for his/her daily activities, and (D) the patient's and his/her family's version and understanding of the nature and prognosis of the disease. It is suggested that such a recording may influence health care by adapting the management of the patient to his/her concerns, life situation, degree of disability, additional diseases and specific needs for health promotion.