Challenges to the development of a health care practice model for hospital social work in India

ABSTRACT

India has a long history of delivering a western model of social work despite being challenged by unique structural challenges, as well as demographic and social changes impacting the types of presentations to hospitals. This paper reports on a project that explored the professional roles of Indian social workers in hospital settings, and documented some of the critical factors that impede capacity to meet the demands of a changing health care system. Extracted themes from participants identified a lack of role descriptions, professional supervision, and national standards as contributing to a lack of confidence in asserting strong professional identity and contribution to patient care.

KEYWORDS:

• Hospital social work practice
• Indian social work

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge project funds received from the Australia–India Council/Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Grants Program. Special thanks to Dr Anne-Louise McCawley, Ms Sue Cumming, Miss Anitta Francis, Miss Blessy Antony, and Ms Meghna Ashok for their contribution and support of this project.