Social workers play an integral role in hospitals, particularly as it relates to improving patient outcomes. This scoping review was conducted to explore the impact of social work interventions in hospital settings on healthcare utilization. Research literature was identified using the following search engines: PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, SocINDEX & MEDLINE. The initial search was conducted in May 2019, and an updated search was conducted in April 2021. Search results identified 2633 references and 110 articles met criteria for full-text review. Eighteen articles were included in the final review. Social work interventions include transitional care (56%), care coordination (22%), behavioral health (17%) and case management (5%). Significant improvements to readmission, mortality and utilizations rates are reported in over 80% of the studies, however the vast majority are non-randomized quantitative studies. More rigorous studies are needed to expand the literature and further evaluate the effectiveness of social work interventions in hospital settings.
Keywords: Social work; healthcare utilization; mortality; patient readmission; social determinants of health.