Full Project – ASSESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN HOSPITAL IN LAGOS STATE

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Social workers play a pivotal role in the healthcare system, particularly in hospitals. In Lagos State, their importance cannot be overstated. According to Akinola (2018), social workers in Lagos hospitals serve as a bridge between patients, their families, and the healthcare system. They provide a range of services, including counseling, advocacy, and connecting patients to resources that can help them manage their health conditions. They also play a crucial role in discharge planning, ensuring that patients have the necessary support and resources when they leave the hospital.

The role of social workers in Lagos hospitals extends beyond individual patient care. They also contribute to the broader healthcare system. Okeke, et al. (2019) found that social workers in Lagos hospitals play a significant role in policy development and implementation. They bring a unique perspective to the table, focusing on the social determinants of health and advocating for policies that address these underlying issues. This can lead to more effective and equitable healthcare policies.

However, despite their importance, social workers in Lagos hospitals face several challenges. According to a study by Adebowale and Ogunbode (2020), these challenges include heavy caseloads, lack of resources, and inadequate training. These issues can limit the effectiveness of social workers and hinder their ability to provide high-quality care to patients.

Despite these challenges, there is evidence that social workers make a significant difference in patient outcomes. A study by Ojelabi, et al. (2017) found that patients who received social work services in Lagos hospitals had better mental health outcomes and were more likely to adhere to their treatment plans. This suggests that social workers can play a crucial role in improving patient health and wellbeing.

However, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of social workers in Lagos hospitals. While the studies mentioned above provide some evidence of their importance, they are limited in scope and scale. Future research should aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the role and impact of social workers in Lagos hospitals.

Ojelabi, O., et al. (2017). The impact of social work services on health outcomes in Lagos hospitals. Journal of Social Service Research, 43(4), 463-475.There are many notions of what the role of a social worker should be; we identify the more prevalent of them.

1.2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The problem of assessing the importance of social workers in hospitals in Lagos State is multifaceted. Firstly, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the role and impact of social workers in the healthcare system. This makes it difficult to quantify their contributions and understand the full scope of their work. The absence of such data also hinders the development of policies and strategies aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of social workers in hospitals.

There is a general lack of awareness about the role of social workers in hospitals. Many people, including some healthcare professionals, are not fully aware of the range of services that social workers provide. This lack of awareness can lead to underutilization of social workers and can also result in patients not receiving the full range of support services they need.

There is a shortage of social workers in many hospitals in Lagos State. This shortage is due to a variety of factors, including low pay, high stress levels, and a lack of professional development opportunities. The shortage of social workers can lead to increased workloads for existing staff and can also result in patients not receiving the level of care they need.

There is a lack of integration between social workers and other healthcare professionals in many hospitals. This lack of integration can lead to a lack of coordination in patient care and can also result in patients not receiving a holistic approach to their healthcare.

There is a lack of funding for social work services in many hospitals. This lack of funding can lead to a reduction in the number of social workers and can also result in a reduction in the range of services they can provide.

There is a lack of research on the role and impact of social workers in hospitals in Lagos State. This lack of research makes it difficult to develop evidence-based policies and strategies aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of social workers in hospitals.The rate at which people are affected by mental illness is alarming in the world and Nigeria in particular (WHO, 2001), and at times the psychiatrist alone will not be able to manage the problems of most of the neurological patients. Hence the role of social workers in psychiatric hospital is vital, to help diagnose the social problems of patients. In recent years, evidence has shown that increase in mental disorder are attributed to social problems such as unemployment, divorce, retrenchment, addiction, religion, low standard of living, loss of parental love, lack of educational achievement etc.

Such a situation does concern all mental health and allied professionals, essentially of social worker practicing in mental health institution believes that mental health disorder are directly attributable to social problems that characterize society.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

To create awareness about how social workers work with patients and their families.
To enlighten the public about how medical social worker assess the psycho social functioning of patients and their families.
To create awareness on how medical social worker counsel mental patients and their families.
To create awareness based on how social worker’s plan and conduct programmes to prevent substance abuse or improve health and counselling in community.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following research questions was buttressed for the study:

How do social workers interact with patients and their families to create awareness?
What methods do medical social workers use to assess the psycho-social functioning of patients and their families?
How do medical social workers counsel mental patients and their families?
What strategies do social workers employ to plan and conduct programs aimed at preventing substance abuse or improving health and counseling in the community?

1.5. RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

The hypothetical statement are buttressed below:

Ho: That medical social worker is not as important as that of the medical doctor.

H1: That medical social worker is as important as that of the medical doctor.

HO: That the counselling of social workers has not made mental patients to know that drug abuse is bad and should be discouraged.

H1: That the counselling of social workers has made mental patients to know that drug abuse is bad and should be discouraged.

HO: Medical social workers are not useful in the hospital

H1: Medical social workers are useful in the hospital

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

The significance of the study on the importance of social workers in hospitals in Lagos State cannot be overstated. Social workers play a crucial role in the healthcare system, particularly in hospitals where they provide a range of services to patients and their families. They act as a bridge between the medical team and the patients, helping to navigate the often complex healthcare system. This study aims to shed light on the critical role these professionals play in the healthcare sector in Lagos State.

Social workers in hospitals are often the first point of contact for patients and their families. They provide emotional support, help patients understand their diagnosis, and assist in making informed decisions about treatment options. They also coordinate care, ensuring that patients receive the necessary services from various healthcare providers. This study will explore these roles in detail, providing a comprehensive understanding of the importance of social workers in hospitals.

In Lagos State, where the healthcare system is under significant strain due to population density and limited resources, the role of social workers is even more critical. They help to alleviate the burden on the healthcare system by providing essential services that may otherwise be overlooked. This study will examine how social workers in Lagos State hospitals contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system.

Furthermore, this study will assess the impact of social workers on patient outcomes. Previous research has suggested that social workers can significantly improve patient outcomes, particularly for those with chronic or complex health conditions. By exploring this in the context of Lagos State, the study will provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of integrating social workers into the healthcare team.

The study will also explore the challenges faced by social workers in Lagos State hospitals. Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing strategies to support these professionals and ensure they can provide the best possible care to patients. The findings of this study could inform policy decisions and lead to improvements in the support and resources available to social workers.

In conclusion, the significance of this study lies in its potential to enhance our understanding of the role and importance of social workers in hospitals in Lagos State. The findings could lead to improved support for these professionals and better outcomes for patients. It is a step towards recognizing the invaluable contribution of social workers to the healthcare system and ensuring their work is adequately supported and valued.

1.7 SCOPE OF STUDY

This study will focus on the roles of a social worker in psychiatric hospital, Yaba, Lagos. The focus will be the patients in Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Assessment: In the context of social work, an assessment is a process where a social worker evaluates a client’s needs, strengths, and challenges in order to develop an effective plan of action.

Importance: This term generally refers to the state or fact of being of great significance or value. In the context of social work, it could refer to the significance of the social worker’s role in improving the lives of individuals and communities.

Social Workers: These are professionals who work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to enhance their individual and collective well-being. They aim to help people develop their skills and abilities to use their own resources and those of the community to resolve problems.

Hospital: A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment with specialized medical and nursing staff and medical equipment. It is typically where acute care is provided, and can have a range of departments like emergency, surgery, and maternity.

Social Care: This is a term for a wide range of services provided by local authorities and independent agencies to older people, adults with disabilities, children with a parent or parents who are unable to provide them with a safe or nurturing environment, and others who need help to maintain a good quality of life. It includes personal care, practical support, and emotional support.

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Full Project – ASSESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN HOSPITAL IN LAGOS STATE

Full Project – ASSESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN HOSPITAL IN LAGOS STATE

Full Project – ASSESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN HOSPITAL IN LAGOS STATE

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