Enhancing Efficiency, Improving Care: Exploring Patient Opinions on Hospital Social Work

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates patient perceptions of factors influencing the efficiency of hospital social work services. Specifically, it explores the perceived role of social workers in addressing patients' psychosocial needs and identifies potential strategies for enhancing service efficiency. By understanding the patient perspective, this research aims to illuminate the impact of various factors on social work effectiveness and ultimately contribute to improved patient care delivery. Methods: A convenience sampling technique was employed to recruit 130 patients from Trung Vuong Hospital who participated in a self-administered survey assessing their perspectives on hospital social work services. The survey comprised two scales: one evaluating factors affecting social work efficiency and another proposing measures for improvement. Descriptive statistics were utilized for data analysis. Results: Patient perceptions identified "patient needs" and "knowledge and skills of medical staff, doctors, and social workers" as the most critical factors impacting hospital social work efficiency. This underscores the importance of ongoing professional development for social workers and ensuring adequate staffing levels. Proposed strategies for improvement included: enhanced professional training for social workers, fostering effective communication regarding social work services available to patients, and the expansion of external resource networks to provide comprehensive support for patients facing complex challenges. Conclusion: This study sheds light on critical areas for optimizing hospital social work efficiency, highlighting the importance of strategic staffing decisions, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and prioritizing continuous professional development for social workers. By integrating patient feedback into service delivery models, social work departments can enhance patient support and contribute to improved healthcare outcomes. Future research efforts should strive for broader generalizability by incorporating diverse healthcare settings and soliciting the perspectives of a wider range of stakeholders. This will provide a more comprehensive understanding of social work effectiveness in the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery.