The Role of Social Workers in Advocating for Patients' Rights, Needs, And Access to Resources in the Hospital Environment

Abstract

Social workers are professionals trained to help people cope with problems in their daily lives. They assist patients in navigating the complex processes of hospitals and emergency rooms. Social workers advocate for patients as they seek immediate services and financial assistance. It is the role of the social worker to ensure that their rights, needs, and access to resources are upheld in the hospital environment. Hospital social workers engage in service planning for patients with multiple needs, including post-hospital community care. They assess the needs of patients, consider various medical and social factors, and coordinate services. Even when treatment services do not go through the hospital, social workers must ensure that patients with infectious diseases receive the necessary care. If patients have difficulty accessing services, social workers intervene directly, either by accompanying the patient to another medical institution or agency or by negotiating with another provider on the patient's behalf. Social workers also have an obligation to report any situations that may endanger the health and safety of hospital staff or other patients, as well as any suspected abuse of dependent adults or children. Hospital social workers also provide crisis intervention services (F. Dziegielewski & C. Holliman, 2001). Despite serious mental health issues, many patients still refuse admission to the hospital or do not follow necessary treatment. Social workers frequently assist in the admission process, working with other hospital staff. If a patient is admitted against their will, social workers advocate for the patient's legal rights and ensure that they understand why they have been admitted and what the treatment entails. Even with involuntary admission, patients retain certain rights. Social workers inform patients of their rights, including the right to refuse treatment. Patients unwilling to accept treatment must be informed that they can appeal to an outside agency, and social workers assist in this process when necessary. Social workers also support patients as they adjust to the hospital environment. This adjustment can be especially difficult for patients admitted after a suicide attempt (Labbe, 2017).