Social work at the emergency department

Eur J Emerg Med. 1997 Dec;4(4):233-8. doi: 10.1097/00063110-199712000-00010.

Abstract

We have evaluated the level of satisfaction of patients assigned to a social worker whose role was to give information, support, advice, grief and shock counselling; and develop resource strategies for marginal peoples. Six hundred patients were admitted to the study; 300 of them were supervised by a social worker (group A) and the other 300 were not (group B). After the completion of the study, a questionnaire was sent to be filled in by group A and group B for later evaluation. We collected 200 completed questionnaires (33.3%). The most important areas were: 105 patients (94.5%) in group A vs. 73 patients (82%) (p < 0.005) consider the medical care good or very good. The waiting time was assessed as short or acceptable in 91 patients (81.9%) in group A vs. 55 patients (61.8%) in group B (p < 0.001). The psychosocial care was assessed as very good or good in 101 patients group A (90.9%) vs. 73 patients in group B (82%) (p < 0.5).

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Emergency Service, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Family
  • Grief
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Team
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Social Work Department, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors