The role of social work in a health care setting
3/29/2023
Amy Marquardt, Aspirus Social Worker
Social Worker Month is observed every March and highlights these trained medical professionals for their compassionate care and dedication to supporting patients and families throughout their medical journeys.
At Aspirus Health there are approximately 100 social workers embedded throughout the entire system in hospitals, primary and specialty care clinics, Hospice, Home Care, inpatient behavioral health units and counseling offices. They help patients navigate the health care system, manage chronic illnesses and cope with the stress and emotional challenges that can arise from illness or injury.
“In a health care setting, we start by looking for navigation from the patient to determine what their needs are, or whether or not they identify as someone in need of assistance,” says Amy Marquardt, Aspirus Social Worker. “We screen the patient to try and see if there's something that's keeping them from accessing care or preventing them from coming to their scheduled medical appointments.”
There are a variety of local, state and national resources that a social worker can connect people to, such as disability insurance-related coverage, diagnosis-specific support, emotional support, and transportation and lodging.
Marquardt adds “we’re seeing research that says most of the people who frequent the emergency department (ED) are facing social or financial barriers that bring them back as opposed to some of the medical needs that they have.”
An academic study published in 2020 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) corroborated Marquardt’s position. During the 25-day trial, patients were screened for social needs during routine visits to a Utah ED. Those who were determined to need social support experienced a significant increase in ED visits in the three months that followed, while patients with no needs experienced increases in primary care visits compared with those with unmet needs.
Marquardt adds “some of their medical needs may be a side effect of some of the social things. That’s where we can step in and offer our support.”
People like Marquardt become social workers because they have a strong desire to help others and make society a better place, but it can come at a cost.
“I spent 10 years working in the Aspirus NICU and birthing center. I think there’s an interpretation that it’s a fun place to work because you’re with babies all day. The unfortunate truth is that if a social worker is being called, things may not be going how the parents anticipated and their expectations may not be what the actual outcomes are. It can be emotionally taxing, but the education and experience I received working with that population is immeasurable.”
With a total of 33 years of social work experience, Marquardt is about to celebrate 17 years with Aspirus. She is currently with Aspirus Cancer Care – Wausau, citing interactions with appreciative patients as one of the most enjoyable parts of the job.
“People are often unaware of what may be out there for them for emotional, financial, family and community support. Connecting them to resources is very rewarding,” says Marquardt.
Patients may choose not to utilize the resources, but sometimes the emotional support is enough. This involves listening to their current emotional status and providing some support for any psychosocial distress that they're identifying. Marquardt adds “even if it's just saying, ‘we're here and you may not need us, but this is something that I want you to know is available in case you do later,’ that in and of itself can give people some peace of mind.”
Aspirus social workers serve a broad population throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. If you or a loved one are in need of extra support with your health care journey, talk with your primary care provider about a referral for social work services.
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