Consider the role of the medical social worker in different health care settings.

Medical social work has expanded far beyond the walls of hospitals. Medical social work is now practiced in myriad settings, including inpatient hospital units, hospital-based outpatient clinics, community-based medical clinics, mobile medical facilities, public health organizations, nursing homes, and hospice facilities. The types of treatment and modalities used by medical social workers are dictated by the health care settings in which they practice, the mission of the facility, the policies that govern the facility, and the individual patient’s needs.

To prepare for this Discussion, consider the role of the medical social worker in different health care settings. Think about a health care setting (such as a chronic care hospital, specialty hospital, public health department, or rural hospital) that is appealing to you.

I chose hospice-

Post a brief description of the health care setting you selected. Describe the patient population(s) served at the setting. Explain how the medical social worker functions in this health care setting. Identify factors about the health care setting that might challenge the medical social worker. Explain why. Explain ways you might address the challenges.