| [ Summary ] |
The number of social workers in health care has increased because social conditions have changed. However, many social workers do not acquire knowledge about medicine and health care, and gain little experience in collaborative care and teamwork in health care settings, until they start their career in social work. Many social workers may experience difficulty in relations with doctors and other medical staff. In such situations, medical staff should be helped to understand the role of social workers in the health care system. In moving toward a policy of comprehensive community-based care, it is essential that all staff in health care and care workers in the community collaborate to provide effective services. Social workers in dialysis settings must perform as key members of the care team, and demonstrate their ability to collaborate and communicate. |