The Relevance of Medical/healthcare Social Services in Tertiary Health Institutions in Nigeria; A Study of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital
Chapter One
Objectives of the Study
The study aims to achieve the following objectives:
- To assess the current medical/healthcare social services status in the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.
- To explore the perceptions and experiences of healthcare professionals regarding the relevance of medical/healthcare social services in tertiary health institutions.
- To identify potential barriers and challenges faced in the provision of medical/healthcare social services in the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Review
The Concept of Medical/Healthcare Social Services
Medical or healthcare social services refer to a specialized field of social work that focuses on providing support and assistance to individuals, families, and communities within healthcare settings (Potyraj, 2016). These services aim to address the social, emotional, and practical needs of patients, promoting their overall well-being and enhancing their ability to cope with health-related challenges.
The definition of medical/healthcare social services encompasses a wide range of activities and interventions. Social workers in healthcare settings collaborate with other healthcare professionals to assess the psychosocial needs of patients and develop appropriate interventions (Julia, 2020). They assist individuals and families in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, providing information about available resources, and facilitating access to healthcare services (Mokuau & Fong, 2018).
One of the primary goals of medical/healthcare social services is to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families by addressing the social determinants of health (Mullen & Shuluk, 2021). Social workers engage in individual and group counselling, offering emotional support and guidance to patients and their loved ones (Potyraj, 2016). They may also facilitate support groups or educational programs to address specific health concerns or promote health promotion and prevention initiatives (Parast & Alaii, 2020).
Medical/healthcare social services also involve advocacy and case management. Social workers advocate for the rights and needs of patients, ensuring they receive appropriate care and support (Sverker et al., 2017). They collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop care plans, coordinate services, and provide ongoing monitoring and follow-up to promote continuity of care (Morales et al., 2020). Additionally, social workers may engage in community outreach and health education activities to promote health literacy and empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health (Mokuau & Fong, 2018).
In summary, medical/healthcare social services encompass a range of activities aimed at supporting individuals, families, and communities within healthcare settings. These services address the social, emotional, and practical needs of patients, enhance the quality of life, and promote holistic healthcare. Through counselling, advocacy, case management, and community outreach, medical/healthcare social workers play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and patient-centred care.
Role and Functions of Medical/Healthcare Social Services
The role and functions of medical/healthcare social services are crucial in ensuring the provision of comprehensive and holistic care to patients within healthcare settings. These services encompass a range of responsibilities and activities that aim to address the psychosocial needs of patients and promote their overall well-being.
One of the key roles of medical/healthcare social services is to conduct comprehensive assessments of patients’ psychosocial needs (Julia, 2020). Social workers collaborate with the healthcare team to gather information about patients’ social, emotional, and environmental circumstances. By conducting assessments, social workers identify potential challenges, strengths, and resources that may impact patients’ healthcare outcomes.
Medical/healthcare social workers also play a vital role in providing counselling and emotional support to patients and their families (Potyraj, 2016). They offer a safe space for patients to express their feelings, concerns, and fears related to their health conditions. Through counselling, social workers help patients cope with the emotional impact of their illnesses, improve their mental well-being, and enhance their ability to adhere to treatment plans.
Another significant function of medical/healthcare social services is advocacy (Sverker et al., 2017). Social workers advocate for the rights and needs of patients, ensuring they receive equitable access to healthcare services. They collaborate with the healthcare team to address barriers to care and promote patient-centred approaches. Additionally, social workers may engage in policy advocacy at a systemic level to drive changes that improve the overall healthcare system.
Case management is another essential function of medical/healthcare social services (Morales et al., 2020). Social workers coordinate and facilitate the delivery of services to patients, ensuring that their healthcare needs are met effectively and efficiently. They work closely with the interdisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans, arrange necessary services, and provide ongoing monitoring and follow-up to promote continuity of care.
Furthermore, medical/healthcare social services involve community outreach and education (Mokuau & Fong, 2018). Social workers engage in health promotion activities, disseminate health-related information, and provide education to patients and the community. They empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health, promote health literacy, and encourage preventive measures.
In summary, medical/healthcare social services have a significant role and function in healthcare settings. They conduct comprehensive assessments, provide counselling and emotional support, advocate for patients’ rights, coordinate care through case management, and engage in community outreach and education. These roles and functions ensure that patients receive comprehensive, patient-centred care and support their overall well-being throughout their healthcare journey.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction Research
In this chapter, the methodology employed in conducting the study will be discussed. The research design, population of the study, sampling technique and sample size, sources and method of data collection, method of data analysis, validity and reliability of the study, and ethical considerations will be outlined. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the methodological approach adopted and the rationale behind each decision made in the research process.
Research Design
The selected research design for this study is a quantitative survey research design, which is well-suited for exploring relationships, patterns, and trends within a large population (Creswell, 2019). By employing a survey research design, the study can gather data from a significant number of respondents, thereby gaining a broader perspective on the research topic. This design facilitates the collection of data on various variables and enables researchers to employ statistical methods to analyze the data, thereby facilitating a systematic investigation of the research questions.
A quantitative survey research design offers several advantages in this study. First, it allows for the collection of a substantial amount of data, which enhances the generalizability and representativeness of the findings. This design also enables the exploration of multiple variables simultaneously, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. Additionally, the use of statistical methods in data analysis supports the objective and systematic examination of the research questions, allowing for the identification of significant patterns or associations.
Overall, the selection of a quantitative survey research design aligns with the objectives of the study by providing a robust and rigorous methodology for data collection and analysis. By utilizing this design, the study aims to generate valuable insights into the relationships, patterns, and trends related to the research topic, contributing to the existing knowledge in the field.
Population of the Study
The target population for this study consists of individuals who are directly involved in the healthcare system, including healthcare professionals, administrators, and patients. The justification for selecting a target population of 1300 respondents is based on the need for a representative sample that adequately reflects the diversity and complexity of the healthcare system. By including a substantial number of participants, the findings of the study can be generalized to a larger population, increasing the external validity of the research (Saunders et al., 2020).
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Data Presentation
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings
This study aimed to examine the current status and perceptions of medical/healthcare social services in the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, as well as identify the barriers and challenges faced in their provision. Additionally, the study explored the association between the availability of these services and the quality of patient care. A quantitative survey research design was employed, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to healthcare professionals, administrative staff, and support staff in the hospital.
Demographic and socio-economic information of the respondents (Table 4.1) revealed that 90% of the questionnaires were returned and completed, indicating a high response rate. The majority of respondents were female (62%), which is reflective of the gender distribution within the healthcare field. In terms of age (Table 4.3), the respondents were distributed across different age groups, with the highest percentage falling in the 25-34 age range (37%). Educational background (Table 4.4) indicated that the majority of respondents held a bachelor’s degree (54.6%), followed by master’s degrees (21.3%). Regarding occupation (Table 4.5), the largest group of respondents were healthcare professionals (63.9%), followed by administrative staff (20.4%).
The findings related to the research questions provided valuable insights into the perceptions and experiences of the participants. Table 4.8 indicated that a significant majority (81.5%) agreed that the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital provides comprehensive medical/healthcare social services. Furthermore, Table 4.9 revealed that 79.6% of the respondents agreed that the services offered effectively meet the needs of patients. These findings suggest that the medical/healthcare social services at the hospital are perceived positively and play a crucial role in addressing patients’ psychosocial needs.
The integration of social work in tertiary health institutions was assessed in Table 4.13, which indicated that 81.5% of the respondents agreed that the integration enhances patient outcomes and satisfaction. Additionally, Table 4.14 showed that 76.9% of the respondents agreed that the services improve communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals and patients. These findings highlight the importance of social work interventions in promoting positive patient experiences and outcomes.
Regarding the relevance of medical/healthcare social services, Table 4.15 demonstrated that 78.7% of the respondents agreed that healthcare professionals should receive training on the importance and role of these services. This indicates a recognition of the need to enhance awareness and understanding among healthcare professionals regarding the significance of medical/healthcare social services.
The potential barriers and challenges faced in the provision of medical/healthcare social services were explored in Table 4.16. The majority of respondents (71.3%) agreed that limited funding and resources pose challenges to the provision of these services. Moreover, Table 4.17 revealed that 79.6% of the respondents agreed that insufficient awareness and understanding contribute to the challenges faced. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing resource limitations and enhancing awareness among stakeholders to overcome the barriers in delivering effective medical/healthcare social services.
To further investigate the association between the availability of medical/healthcare social services and the quality of patient care, hypothesis 1 was tested using a one-sample t-test. Table 4.20 provided the relevant statistics, including a sample size of 4, a mean of 89.7500, a standard deviation of 4.64579, and a standard error mean of 2.32289. The calculated t-statistic of 38.6633 exceeded the critical table value of 2.353, indicating a significant association between the availability of medical/healthcare social services and the quality of patient care. This supports the rejection of the null hypothesis, suggesting that medical/healthcare social services are associated with improved patient care in the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.
Regarding hypothesis 2, which examined the relationship between healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the relevance of medical/healthcare social services and their support for integration, Table 4.21 provided the relevant statistics. With a sample size of 4, a mean of 86.5000, a standard deviation of 2.88675, and a standard error mean of 1.44338, the calculated t-statistic of 28.5605 exceeded the critical table value of 2.353. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected, indicating that healthcare professionals who have no positive perception of the relevance of medical/healthcare social services are more likely to support their integration into tertiary health institutions.
Hypothesis 3 examined the impact of resource limitations and institutional support on the provision of medical/healthcare social services. Table 4.22 presented the relevant statistics, including a sample size of 4, a mean of 95.5000, a standard deviation of 11.56143, and a standard error mean of 5.78072. The calculated t-statistic of 16.5172 exceeded the critical table value of 2.353, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. This indicates that the lack of resources and inadequate institutional support are significant barriers to the provision of medical/healthcare social services in the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.
In conclusion, the findings of this study provide valuable insights into the current status, perceptions, and challenges associated with medical/healthcare social services at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. The majority of respondents perceived the services as comprehensive and effective in meeting the needs of patients, highlighting the important role of social work interventions in addressing patients’ psychosocial needs. Integration of these services in tertiary health institutions was positively associated with improved patient outcomes, satisfaction, and communication between healthcare professionals and patients.
However, the study also identified barriers and challenges, such as limited funding and resources, and insufficient awareness and understanding, which hinder the provision of these services. The results emphasize the need for increased support, resources, and awareness to overcome these challenges and enhance the delivery of effective medical/healthcare social services.
The findings support the hypothesis that the availability of medical/healthcare social services is significantly associated with the quality of patient care in the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the relevance of these services were found to be significantly related to their support for integration into tertiary health institutions. Additionally, resource limitations and inadequate institutional support were identified as significant barriers to the provision of medical/healthcare social services.
These findings have implications for policy and practice, suggesting the importance of investing in medical/healthcare social services, providing training to healthcare professionals, and addressing resource limitations to improve patient care and outcomes. By addressing these challenges and promoting the integration of social work in healthcare settings, tertiary health institutions can enhance the overall quality of care and meet the psychosocial needs of patients more effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the findings of this study provide valuable insights into the relationship between medical/healthcare social services and the quality of patient care in the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. The results from the tested hypotheses support the significance of these services in enhancing patient care outcomes and highlighting the barriers and challenges faced in their provision.
The first hypothesis examined the association between the availability of medical/healthcare social services and the quality of patient care. The results indicated a significant relationship, with the availability of these services positively impacting the quality of patient care. This finding emphasizes the importance of incorporating medical/healthcare social services into healthcare settings to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
The second hypothesis explored the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding the relevance of medical/healthcare social services and their support for integration into tertiary health institutions. The findings revealed that healthcare professionals with positive perceptions of the relevance of these services are more likely to support their integration. This highlights the need for awareness and education among healthcare professionals to promote their understanding of the importance of medical/healthcare social services in improving patient care.
The third hypothesis focused on the barriers and challenges faced in the provision of medical/healthcare social services. The results indicated that limited resources and inadequate institutional support significantly hinder the delivery of these services. This finding underscores the importance of addressing resource limitations and improving institutional support to overcome the barriers and ensure the effective provision of medical/healthcare social services.
Overall, this study emphasizes the crucial role of medical/healthcare social services in enhancing patient care and outcomes. It highlights the need for increased support, resources, and awareness to promote the integration of these services into healthcare settings. By addressing these factors, healthcare institutions can improve the quality of care, meet the psychosocial needs of patients more effectively, and ultimately enhance the overall healthcare experience.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are suggested:
- Increase the availability and accessibility of medical/healthcare social services: Healthcare institutions, including the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, should prioritize the allocation of resources to expand and enhance the availability of medical/healthcare social services. This can include increasing the number of trained social workers and providing them with the necessary support and resources to effectively meet the psychosocial needs of patients.
- Improve interdisciplinary collaboration: Enhance collaboration and communication between healthcare professionals and social workers to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to patient care. This can be achieved through regular interdisciplinary meetings, joint training programs, and the establishment of clear referral pathways and communication channels.
- Enhance awareness and education: Conduct educational programs and workshops to increase awareness among healthcare professionals, administrators, and patients about the role and importance of medical/healthcare social services. This can help foster a better understanding of the services provided and promote their integration into the healthcare system.
- Strengthen institutional support: Provide institutional support by establishing policies and procedures that recognize and prioritize the integration of medical/healthcare social services. This includes allocating sufficient funding, staffing, and resources to support the delivery of these services and addressing the identified barriers and challenges.
- Conduct regular needs assessments: Periodically assess the needs and preferences of patients to ensure that medical/healthcare social services align with their evolving needs. This can help tailor services to specific patient populations and ensure that they are effective in addressing the psychosocial needs of patients.
- Foster research and evidence-based practice: Encourage further research on the impact and effectiveness of medical/healthcare social services in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. This can provide a robust evidence base for the integration and expansion of these services in healthcare settings.
- Develop standardized protocols and guidelines: Establish standardized protocols and guidelines for the provision of medical/healthcare social services to ensure consistency and quality in their delivery. These protocols should outline the roles and responsibilities of social workers, referral criteria, and best practices in delivering patient-centered care.
- Collaborate with community organizations: Forge partnerships with community organizations and resources to expand the support networks available to patients. This can involve collaborating with non-profit organizations, social service agencies, and community-based programs to address the social determinants of health and provide comprehensive support to patients.
- Continuous professional development: Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for social workers and healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills in delivering medical/healthcare social services. This can include training in cultural competency, communication, and evidence-based interventions.
- Monitor and evaluate outcomes: Implement a systematic process for monitoring and evaluating the outcomes and impact of medical/healthcare social services. This can involve collecting data on patient satisfaction, health outcomes, and cost-effectiveness to ensure the ongoing improvement and effectiveness of these services.
Contribution to Knowledge
This study has made significant contributions to knowledge in the field of medical/healthcare social services. Firstly, it has provided a detailed and contextual understanding of the current status of medical/healthcare social services at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. By exploring the availability, quality, and effectiveness of these services, the study has contributed to the existing knowledge base on medical/healthcare social services in the Nigerian healthcare system. This information is valuable for healthcare institutions, policymakers, and researchers seeking to improve the delivery of social services in similar settings.
Secondly, the study has shed light on the perceptions and experiences of healthcare professionals regarding the relevance and integration of medical/healthcare social services. By capturing the perspectives of healthcare professionals, the study adds valuable insights to the literature. It highlights the role of healthcare professionals in supporting the integration of social work in tertiary health institutions and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration. Understanding these perceptions and experiences is crucial for fostering effective teamwork and patient-centered care.
Thirdly, the study has identified and examined the barriers and challenges faced in the provision of medical/healthcare social services at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. By highlighting factors such as limited funding, inadequate resources, and lack of institutional support, the study contributes to the knowledge base by identifying specific challenges that need to be addressed to enhance the provision of these services. This information can guide healthcare institutions and policymakers in developing strategies to overcome these barriers and improve the overall quality of medical/healthcare social services.
Lastly, the study has important implications for patient care and outcomes. By analyzing the association between the availability of medical/healthcare social services and the quality of patient care, the study provides evidence of the impact of social services on patient outcomes. This finding underscores the importance of integrating social work into healthcare settings to improve patient experiences, satisfaction, and overall well-being. The study’s findings can inform healthcare practitioners and administrators about the positive outcomes associated with medical/healthcare social services and encourage the allocation of resources to support their implementation.
In summary, this study contributes to knowledge by providing a contextual understanding of medical/healthcare social services, exploring the perceptions and experiences of healthcare professionals, identifying barriers and challenges, and highlighting the implications for patient care and outcomes. The findings of this study have practical implications for healthcare institutions, policymakers, and researchers aiming to improve the integration and delivery of medical/healthcare social services. By addressing these recommendations and building upon the knowledge generated by this study, stakeholders can work towards enhancing the quality and effectiveness of medical/healthcare social services, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes in tertiary health institutions.
Implication of the Study
The implications of this study are far-reaching and have implications for various stakeholders in the healthcare system.
Firstly, for healthcare institutions, the study highlights the importance of investing in and strengthening medical/healthcare social services. The findings demonstrate that these services play a crucial role in addressing patients’ psychosocial needs, improving communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals and patients, and enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction. Healthcare institutions can use this information to prioritize the integration and provision of social work services, allocate resources effectively, and establish supportive policies and protocols. By recognizing the value of medical/healthcare social services, institutions can create a patient-centered care environment that enhances overall healthcare quality.
Secondly, policymakers can utilize the findings to inform policy decisions and healthcare reforms. The study emphasizes the need for policy initiatives that promote the integration of social work in tertiary health institutions. Policymakers can work towards creating supportive frameworks, guidelines, and funding mechanisms that facilitate the provision of medical/healthcare social services. By recognizing and addressing the barriers and challenges identified in the study, policymakers can foster an enabling environment for social work professionals and promote interdisciplinary collaboration in the healthcare system.
Thirdly, healthcare professionals can benefit from the study’s implications by recognizing the importance of medical/healthcare social services in their practice. The findings underscore the significance of training healthcare professionals on the role and relevance of social work interventions. By enhancing their understanding of social work principles and techniques, healthcare professionals can effectively collaborate with social workers, refer patients to appropriate services, and contribute to comprehensive patient care. This collaboration can lead to improved patient outcomes, enhanced patient satisfaction, and more holistic healthcare delivery.
Furthermore, the study’s implications extend to patients and their families. The findings highlight the positive impact of medical/healthcare social services on patient well-being, emotional support, and access to necessary resources. Patients and their families can advocate for the integration of social work services in healthcare settings, ensuring that their psychosocial needs are addressed alongside their medical needs. Additionally, patients can benefit from increased awareness and knowledge of the availability of medical/healthcare social services, empowering them to seek appropriate support and actively engage in their healthcare journey.
Overall, the implications of this study emphasize the need for a collaborative and patient-centered approach to healthcare. By recognizing the value of medical/healthcare social services and addressing the identified barriers, stakeholders can work together to improve the integration, accessibility, and quality of these services. This study provides a foundation for evidence-based decision-making and encourages a shift towards a more holistic and comprehensive healthcare system that recognizes the interconnectedness of medical and psychosocial care.
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