Introduction
When a patient enters the hospital for treatment there will be some level of anxiety, fear, and discomfort. In addition, inaccurate or incomplete information about the process, urban legends related to medical care facilities in general, and modern health care can make the facility a frightening, bewildering place. With the recent passage into law of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), there has also been a movement to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the health care system, a consequence of which has been less one on one interaction between patient and care provider.
This movement has created the need for a set of “rules” that allow these complicated systems to operate without interference from …show more content…
This requires, first and foremost, a person who can listen well and understand the patient’s medical, emotional, and spiritual perspectives. Allen and Spitzer posit, “In the initial crisis phase, it is useful to explore the key benefits that shape families’ illness and coping strategies” (Allen & Spitzer, 2016, p. 189). It is also critical that during these interactions the Social Worker be attentive to the ability of the patient to understand and be competent to make care decisions on his/her own behalf. We must be able to determine the wishes of a patient, and the family that may or may not be present, to ensure the most successful outcome of the medical intervention. It should go without saying that cultural competence is a core skill set required during these stressful periods. Again from our text, the Social Worker must, “be proactive in assisting the healthcare team to understand family beliefs and values about the patient’s health condition” (Allen & Spitzer, 2016, p. 434). Compassion, respect, and cultural understanding is fundamental to the outcome of medical care in today’s health …show more content…
I would make the case for a comprehensive “Bill of Rights and Responsibilities” attached to the PPACA. We may then eliminate the need for a stressful and pressured review of the operating rules provided by individual hospitals for their patients. Organizations are goal directed and mission driven, so Rights and Responsibilities must be tied to the mission, vision, and values statements of the facility. Social Workers must be cognizant of the operating characteristics within the “host” environment. I have included the Mission, Vision, and Values Statement from UPMC in Appendix A.
Social Workers in a medical care setting must use a variety of approaches to effect change in individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations, systems, and policies. “Advocacy for systemic change plays a key role” ("NASW Standards for Social Work Case Management," 2013). When we see errors in practice that are not in concert with our Code of Ethics, we must be responsible to point out the disparity and advocate for
When a patient enters the hospital for treatment there will be some level of anxiety, fear, and discomfort. In addition, inaccurate or incomplete information about the process, urban legends related to medical care facilities in general, and modern health care can make the facility a frightening, bewildering place. With the recent passage into law of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), there has also been a movement to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the health care system, a consequence of which has been less one on one interaction between patient and care provider.
This movement has created the need for a set of “rules” that allow these complicated systems to operate without interference from …show more content…
This requires, first and foremost, a person who can listen well and understand the patient’s medical, emotional, and spiritual perspectives. Allen and Spitzer posit, “In the initial crisis phase, it is useful to explore the key benefits that shape families’ illness and coping strategies” (Allen & Spitzer, 2016, p. 189). It is also critical that during these interactions the Social Worker be attentive to the ability of the patient to understand and be competent to make care decisions on his/her own behalf. We must be able to determine the wishes of a patient, and the family that may or may not be present, to ensure the most successful outcome of the medical intervention. It should go without saying that cultural competence is a core skill set required during these stressful periods. Again from our text, the Social Worker must, “be proactive in assisting the healthcare team to understand family beliefs and values about the patient’s health condition” (Allen & Spitzer, 2016, p. 434). Compassion, respect, and cultural understanding is fundamental to the outcome of medical care in today’s health …show more content…
I would make the case for a comprehensive “Bill of Rights and Responsibilities” attached to the PPACA. We may then eliminate the need for a stressful and pressured review of the operating rules provided by individual hospitals for their patients. Organizations are goal directed and mission driven, so Rights and Responsibilities must be tied to the mission, vision, and values statements of the facility. Social Workers must be cognizant of the operating characteristics within the “host” environment. I have included the Mission, Vision, and Values Statement from UPMC in Appendix A.
Social Workers in a medical care setting must use a variety of approaches to effect change in individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations, systems, and policies. “Advocacy for systemic change plays a key role” ("NASW Standards for Social Work Case Management," 2013). When we see errors in practice that are not in concert with our Code of Ethics, we must be responsible to point out the disparity and advocate for