Social workers as care coordinators: Leaders in ensuring effective, compassionate care

ABSTRACT

The concept of care coordination is at the forefront of national conversations in the context of health care reform. As pediatric social workers, we are interested in how care coordination benefits our patients, and which disciplines are providing coordination services. We have determined that significant overlap exists between the work social workers are already doing in inpatient and outpatient medical settings and the literature’s definition of care coordination activities. This article outlines our process of literature review and creation of a working definition of care coordination, and frames the concepts we believe remain central to the process of care coordination.

Keywords:

• Health care
• hospital social work
• pediatrics social work
• psychosocial intervention
• social work