In a hospital setting, social workers play a critical role in supporting patients and their families by addressing the social, emotional, and financial challenges that may arise during medical treatment. In Papua New Guinea these roles can often be provided by the extended family and clans or tribes of relatives that fall ill. Social workers contribute to a more holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the management of all our patients. These services are missing in most of our hospitals that do not realise the importance of social workers. The lack of social workers and the high patient numbers contribute to the deficit of this vital and often overlooked and forgotten service in our institutions. Doctors, nurses, HEOs and CHWs are left to provide some form of spychosocial support in which they have little or no training in. Like most health services in the country more support and funding needs to go into increasing these services and improving health services in general.
A social workers responsibilities include:
1. Assessment and Counselling:
Assessing patients’ psychosocial needs and developing appropriate care plans.
Providing individual, family, and group counselling to help patients cope with illness, injury, or hospitalization.
2. Discharge Planning:
Collaborating with medical staff to create discharge plans that ensure patients have the necessary resources and support systems in place when they leave the hospital.
Coordinating with community services, rehabilitation centres, home health care, and other post-discharge resources.
3. Resource Coordination:
Connecting patients and families with community resources, such as housing, financial assistance, transportation, and support groups.
Assisting with applications for services like Medicaid, Medicare, and other financial aid programs.
4. Crisis Intervention:
Providing immediate support and intervention in crisis situations, such as cases of abuse (Eg: Gender Based Violence), neglect, or mental health emergencies.
Working with hospital security, law enforcement, and other emergency services when necessary.
5. Advocacy:
Advocating for patients’ rights and needs within the hospital and in the broader healthcare system.
Ensuring that patients’ voices are heard in treatment planning and decision-making processes.
6. Education and Support:
Educating patients and their families about medical conditions, treatment options, and coping strategies.
Providing support groups and educational workshops on topics related to health and well-being.
7. Collaboration:
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes doctors, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care.
Participating in team meetings, case conferences, and treatment planning sessions.
8. Ethical and Cultural Competence:
Addressing ethical dilemmas that may arise in patient care and advocating for ethical practices within the hospital.
Being sensitive to cultural, religious, and individual differences when providing care and support.
By fulfilling these roles, social workers help ensure that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses both their medical and psychosocial needs, promoting better health outcomes and overall well-being.
Family support centres (FSCs) are community-based facilities that provide a range of services and resources to support families, promote child development, and strengthen family relationships. These centres aim to create a supportive environment where families can access assistance and build resilience. Social workers are responsible for these centres. The specific services offered can vary, but generally include the following:
1. Parenting Support and Education:
Parenting classes and workshops to improve parenting skills and knowledge.
Support groups where parents can share experiences and strategies.
2. Child Development Services:
Early childhood education programs.
Developmental screenings and assessments for children.
3.Counseling and Mental Health Services:
Individual, family, and group counselling.
Support for dealing with family conflicts, stress, and mental health issues.
4.Resource and Referral Services:
Information about and referrals to community resources such as housing, food assistance, healthcare, and legal services.
Help with accessing government benefits and services.
5.Crisis Intervention:
Immediate assistance for families facing emergencies or crises, such as domestic violence, homelessness, or child abuse.
Coordination with law enforcement, child protective services, and other emergency responders.
6.Education and Training:
Life skills training, such as financial literacy, job readiness, and communication skills.
Educational workshops on various topics, such as nutrition, health, and safety.
7.Social and Recreational Activities:
Opportunities for families to engage in social and recreational activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Events and programs designed to strengthen family bonds.
8.Advocacy and Case Management:
Advocacy for families’ rights and needs within various systems, such as education, healthcare, and social services.
Case management to help families navigate complex systems and coordinate care.
9.Health Services:
Health education and preventive services, such as immunizations and health screenings.
Partnerships with healthcare providers to ensure access to medical care.
Family support centres aim to empower families by providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. They often work in collaboration with other community organizations and service providers to offer comprehensive support tailored to the specific needs of each family.
Family Support Centres in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are located in several provinces. These centres provide crucial support to survivors of family and sexual violence, offering medical care, counselling, and legal support. The provinces in PNG with FSCs include:
1. National Capital District (Port Moresby)
2. Eastern Highlands (Goroka)
3. Morobe (Lae)
4. Western Highlands (Mt. Hagen)
5. Enga (Wabag)
6. East New Britain (Kokopo)
7. Madang
8. Milne Bay
9. West Sepik (Vanimo)
10. East Sepik (Wewak)
11. Southern Highlands (Mendi)
12. Western province
These centres are often located in major hospitals within these provinces and aim to provide a holistic approach to address the needs of violence survivors, including medical treatment, psychological support, and legal assistance. The establishment and operation of these centres are supported by various organizations, including UNFPA and UNICEF, which have conducted assessments to improve their services and capacity to respond to the needs of the community effectively.
Therefore, having social workers and an active and functional family support centre in every hospital in PNG will go a long way in improving patient care and health services in the country.
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