Discharge planning: Social justice in action - Ep.88
Apr 2, 2024
auto_awesome
Explore the depth of discharge planning in hospital social work, discussing the challenges and nuances involved. Learn about the importance of navigating the complexities of discharge planning in healthcare, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and specialized skills required. Acknowledge the significance of a hospital social worker conducting a scope review project, bridging the gap between research and practice. Look forward to future episodes covering diverse topics like family court proceedings and personal narratives from social work.
Discharge planning embodies social justice values by advocating for patient well-being post-discharge.
Social workers navigate emotional and ethical dilemmas ensuring patient safety during discharge planning.
Deep dives
Felicity's Research on Discharge Planning
Felicity, a social worker from Melbourne, engaged in a scoping review exploring the core concept of discharge planning in hospital social work. This review aimed to define, conceptualize, and characterize discharge planning, emphasizing its critical role within social work practice. Through this systematic literature review, Felicity delved into understanding the complexities and nuances surrounding discharge planning, shedding light on the varied definitions and interpretations within the literature.
Challenges in Discharge Planning
Felicity's exploration highlighted the challenges faced in discharge planning, especially in cases where individuals are not ready for conventional care options like home care or aged care. She narrated a poignant case where a decision had to be made for an elderly woman with severe dementia, illustrating the emotional and ethical dilemmas that social workers navigate in ensuring the safety and well-being of patients during the discharge process.
Role of Social Workers in Discharge Planning
The podcast underscored the multifaceted role of social workers in discharge planning, focusing on managing client expectations, navigating complex systems, and advocating for suitable services. Felicity portrayed discharge planning as more than a task, emphasizing the specialist skills and extensive knowledge required to facilitate successful transitions for patients leaving the hospital environment.
Impact of Discharge Planning on Social Work Practice
The discussion between the hosts delved into the significance of discharge planning in social work practice, recognizing it as a practice imbued with social work values such as social justice, dignity, and autonomy. By spotlighting the intricate decision-making, advocacy, and coordination involved in discharge planning, the episode illuminated the pivotal role social workers play in supporting patients through complex transitions and promoting their well-being post-discharge.
Hey! Social Worker!! If you listen to this episode you'll never think of 'discharge planning' as simply admin again... it'll become an act of social justice each and every time! Enjoy.
SIDE NOTE: In this episode, Mim refers to Pamela Trevithick's work. Here's the reference:
Trevithick, P. (2012). Social work skills and knowledge: a practice handbook (3rd edn.). McGraw-Hill/Open University Press.
p.s. Don't forget to check out the latest episode of our sister podcast Social Work Discoveries!
p.s.s. We'd love for you to join the conversation on this, so make sure you reach out to us on the socials (see links below), or otherwise by email at socialworkstoriespodcast@gmail.com - we'd love to hear from you!