Key Factors Impeding Discharge Planning in Hospital Social Work

Abstract

Despite its long historical tradition in Northern Ireland, there is a dearth of research studies on the role of hospital social work and the professional challenges involved at the health and social care interface. This is the first small-scale exploratory study in Northern Ireland that sought to identify the key factors that hospital social workers perceive as impeding their practice in the discharge planning process. A 15-item postal questionnaire was developed and distributed to 30 hospital social workers from four hospital social work departments in a city in Northern Ireland. The study group comprised social workers based in a range of hospital directorates who had differing levels of hospital social work experience. Data generated from the questionnaires suggested that deficits in community resources impacted most negatively on social workers' practice in discharge planning. The length of time respondents had been in their current post was also shown to influence their responses to the perceived impediments in their discharge planning role. The implications of the study and recommendations are discussed in relation to in-service training, social work practice and continuing education in Northern Ireland.

Social Work Discharge Planning in Acute Care Hospitals in Israel: Clients’ Evaluation of the Discharge Planning Process and Adequacy

“…Social workers perceive deficits in community resources as the main factor impacting most negatively on their practice in discharge planning (McAlynn & McLaughlin, 2008). Although problems in discharge planning exist, most patients (85-90%) are satisfied with their discharge plans (Proctor et al, 1992;Simon et al, 1995;Stuen & Monk, 1990).…”

The Clarity and Contribution of the Hospital Social Work Role: Observations on its Professional Identity

“…Empirical UK research on discharge arrangements has been on a much smaller scale than US and Australian studies and seems more likely to have studied a particular locality (Burrows 2018, McAlynn and McLaughlin 2008, Roberts 2002).…”

A Qualitative Study on How Social Workers From Regional and Metropolitan Queensland, Australia Perceive the Impact of the National Prioritisation System on Hospital Discharge Planning: A Study Protocol

“…The lack of formal and informal carers to adequately support older people returning home from hospital could contribute to carer stress, or hospital emergency re-presentation, hospital re-admission or premature entry to residential care for the older person (Bryan, 2010;Rand & Malley, 2014). Insufficient community resources, lack of formal carers, family conflict and the complex social issues which impede discharge planning and contribute to prolonged hospital stays have heightened the pressure on social workers to facilitate a swift patient discharge to free beds (McAlynn & McLaughlin, 2008). The demand for shorter hospital admissions has been attributed to funding pressures from hospitals that strive to remain financially viable (Auerbach et al, 2008).…”