44. Medical / Hospital Social Work

Question 1

Working as Member of Multidisciplinary Treatment Team:

Answer 1

When working with doctors, nurses, or other paraprofessionals as part of treatment of client, it is important to be in full communication with them

Question 2

Know Your Role:

Answer 2

Similar to a school social worker, a medical social worker pays attention to social and emotional needs, but also represents the hospital (hospital policies)

Question 3

Providing Psychoeducation to Families and Patients:

Answer 3

Includes helping families by empowering them to ask questions for the doctor so that they are prepared

Question 4

Coordination of Services and Discharge Planning:

Answer 4

Coordination of services are needed when a client is in need of support of care (in home health care, rehab facility, or other home assistance)

Question 5

Involuntary Treatment:

Answer 5

Involuntary treatment occurs more in psychiatric hospitals and involves clients with suicidal ideation and threat

Question 6

End of Life Issues:

Answer 6

Always talk to clients about their wishes

Question 7

Advanced Directives:

Answer 7

Advance directives are only used if they are competent in how they want medical treatment in final stages of life and facilitating with the doctor for specific questions

If a client is dying and the doctor knows, but has not said anything, it is not the SW’s role to inform the client

Question 8

Power of Attorney:

Answer 8

Take power of attorney into consideration, especially when working with the elderly

Question 9

Competence:

Answer 9

Find out if they are competent in decision making (especially if they are delirious or medications)