A Critical Review Of Medical Social Workers' Influence On Interdisciplinary Healthcare Collaboration

Abstract

This article critically examines the integral role of medical social workers within interdisciplinary healthcare teams, emphasizing their contribution to collaborative patient care. Medical social workers bring unique skills and perspectives that bridge the gap between medical treatment and social determinants of health, thus enhancing the efficacy of interdisciplinary collaboration. By navigating complex social systems and advocating for patient needs, they ensure comprehensive care that addresses both medical and psychosocial aspects. Despite their crucial role, medical social workers face challenges related to role recognition, professional identity, and institutional barriers that can impact the collaboration process. This review synthesizes literature on the contributions, challenges, and strategies for effective integration of medical social workers in healthcare teams. It highlights the need for clear communication channels, mutual respect among professionals, and institutional support to maximize the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration for patient care. The article aims to shed light on best practices and successful models of collaboration, providing insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers to optimize the inclusion of social workers in healthcare settings.