“I Have Failed Them and Failed My Duties”: Experiences of Hospital Social Workers Discharging Patients into Homelessness

Abstract

Homelessness is a long-standing issue at the forefront of healthcare globally, and discharge of homeless patients from hospital settings can exacerbate gaps and burdens in healthcare systems. In hospitals, social workers often take on the majority of responsibility for facilitating patient discharge transitions out of hospital care. Research in this area to date has explored experiences and outcomes of homeless clients, and the experiences of social workers in these roles are not well known. The current study's objective was to elucidate observations and experiences of hospital social workers who discharge patients into homelessness. A total of 112 social workers responded to an online questionnaire, and responses to open-ended questions were analyzed for thematic content. Four overarching themes emerged: (1) complexity of clients, (2) systemic barriers, (3) resource gaps, and (4) negative impact on social workers. It is clear that significant change is required to address the multitude of challenges that intersect to reinforce health inequities. Results can be used by social workers, health authorities, community providers, researchers, and policymakers in discussions about best practices for homeless clients.

COVID-19: Experiences of Social Workers Supporting Older Adults With Dementia in Nigeria

“…These findings align with social workers’ experiences working with other client populations in hospitals. 16 , 54 , 55 Strict adherence to public health protocols, including social distancing and masking, reflects a broader pattern observed in social workers’ interactions with people with dementia and their families. Given the vulnerability of individuals with dementia, maintaining strict protocols becomes paramount to protect their well-being, emphasizing the significance of tailored and unwavering infection control strategies in dementia care settings.…”

Hospitalization and Housing: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Perspectives of Hospitalized Patients Experiencing Housing Insecurity

“…To ensure that such interventions are welcome, needed, and efficacious, it is crucial to understand the perspectives of people experiencing housing insecurity during the time of hospitalization. While prior studies have addressed the perspectives of hospital-based providers caring for PEHs [ 12 ], the views of PEHs themselves during the time of hospitalization have not been explored. Furthermore, while the perspectives of PEHs have been described in other settings, the views of those not experiencing frank homelessness but living along a spectrum of housing-insecure situations have not specifically been elicited [ 13 - 15 ].…”