The first chapter of the book basically talks about the history of the social work profession in the health field and highlights the important theories and beliefs of social work. Social work in the health field began in 1905 when a doctor appointed a nurse to fill the first hospital social worker position at Massachusetts General Hospital. Social work professionals were established in the health field to complement the functions of the medical and nursing staff by addressing the problematic social, environmental, and psychological conditions of the client and their family that affect the client’s health and its treatment. Doctors were only able to diagnose and treat patients according to their physical health but social workers were able to observe their personal, work, and family environment to better diagnose and treat the patients.

Social work in the health field uses many theories and views to assess each client. “The underlying theoretical perspective of social work in the health field is that biological, psychological, and social systems reciprocally influence one another as causes and effects of health problems” (Fort Cowles, 2003, p.39). Physicians provide medical care based only on the physical characteristics of the patient but the social work practice in the health field addresses the individual attitudes, behaviors, and the social environment of people that can affect their health and well being. Most health care settings employ a multidisciplinary staff and utilize teams to assess and intervene in health care. The mission of these teams is to coordinate comprehensive services addressed to the multiple problems of the whole patient in an effort to enhance the success of services and reduce any gaps and overlap in services.  Currently about 47 percent of NASW members practice in the health care field and 32 percent of NASW members are located primarily in health settings.

The followng article discusses the roles of the social worker in the health field and the use of shared decision making: Shared Decision Making in Health Care Settings: The Role of the Social Worker

 References:

Fort Cowles, L.A. (2003). Social Work in the Health Field: A Care Perspective (2nd ed.) Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Press.

Peterson, K. (2012). Shared decision making in health care settings: A role for social work. Social Work In Health Care, 51(10), 894-908. doi:10.1080/00981389.2012.714448