What do hospital social workers do?
Hospital (or medical) social workers play a unique role in the hospital community: Social workers are important members of a patient's health care team. They work with doctors, nurses and other health professionals to provide comprehensive care for the patient.
How can social workers help you?
For starters, the social workers at Lahey Clinic are all Masters-level clinicians licensed to practice by the state of Massachusetts. Social workers are trained in psychology, sociology, human growth and behavior, and cultural diversity. Social workers use their clinical skills to conduct psychosocial assessments of their patients. Using this information, social workers are able, with the patient's input, to determine the patient's needs and tailor their interventions accordingly.
What's an intervention?
An intervention is any action taken by a social worker to empower patients to identify their priorities and make changes, if necessary. Examples of interventions are: counseling for both patients and their families, connecting patients to appropriate community and hospital resources, assisting with insurance issues, and addressing emotional and social concerns related to the patient's illness. Hospital social workers see patients individually but also facilitate support groups for patients with similar illnesses and concerns.
Does Lahey Clinic offer support groups?
Yes. Social workers at Lahey Clinic offer a variety of support groups for patients and, in some cases, their families. Support groups are offered for patients with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and cardiac issues among others. Lahey's social workers also offer a support group for families of Alzheimer's patients. Please call 781-744-8790 for more information.
