Social Work in Health Care in the 21st Century (Paperback)

Social Work has had a place in health care for over 100 years. In the rapidly evolving, often uncertain health care industry, social work will fill an even larger position in the future. As health care providers and policymakers recognize the significant role that social well-being plays in physical well-being, social workers will have newer opportunities to help improve the health of individuals, families, and communities. Social Work in Health Care in the 21st Century gives social workers up-to-date, comprehensive information about the roles they can play and the skills they need in all aspects of health care. The book focuses on health care's four major domains--acute care, ambulatory care, illness prevention and health promotion, and long-term care. The author reviews the past and present of each of these fields, projects their major needs in the future, and identifies how social work can step in and help meet those needs. The book concludes by describing general strategies social workers can use to succeed and thrive in health care settings. Ideally suited for courses on social work in health care, this book is also valuable for professionals doing practice in this area.