Medical Social Work is a sub-discipline of social work, also known as Hospital social work. Medical social workers typically work in a hospital, skilled nursing facility or hospice, have a graduate degree in the field, and work with patients and their families in need of psychosocial help. Medical sociology involves the sociological analysis of medical organizations and institutions; the production of knowledges and selection of methods, the actions and interactions of health-care professionals, and the social or cultural (rather than clinical or bodily) effects of medical practice. The modern face of medicine reflects a prodigious and growing range of treatment options. Paralleling this growth, society is witnessing an expanding acceptance of respect for patient autonomy in healthcare decision-making. While acknowledging that active patient involvement in medical management can lead to a more successful outcome, physicians can become frustrated when their advice is ignored or rejected by patients. The book endeavours to present all requirements of students, teachers, social workers, social work institutions to enable them to achieve success in social work and related activities.
