Hospital Social Work

Hospital Social Work introduces the reader to the world of medicine and social work as seen through the eyes of actual social workers. An essential reference for both students and professionals. Over 100 social workers in dozens of hospitals were interviewed to provide the reader with first-hand experiences and discussions of practice principles, policy considerations, and theoretical treatments to provide each chapter with a unique blend of theory and practice. Joan Beder, a professor of social work and a practicing social worker, recently noted an apparent lack of empirical discussion of the actual role and day-to-day functioning of the medical social worker. Hospital Social Work is the result, a unique supplemental text for both studying and practicing medical social workers.

'What is captivating about this book is that it is so easy to read and practical in its application. It is one of the first dedicated to this growing area of specialization that clearly gives hospital social work and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration its due. With enthusiastic optimism and passion, the author provides the reader with an awareness of the key issues and concerns that surround this journey, while also providing the practice tools needed for new and seasoned medical social workers to maintain and cultivate their place at the table in this competitive, interdisciplinary field of practice.' –- Sophia F. Dziegielewski, School of Social Work, University of Cincinnati, USA.'Beder’s book is a refreshing and interesting perspective on hospital social work. Interviews with social workers, a cogent description of each practice area, and examples of the art and science of social work are presented so that the reader can understand what it is like to be a social worker, with all its rewards and frustrations. It is a worthwhile addition to the health care social work literature.' - Gary Rosenberg, Edith J. Baerwald Professor of Community and Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA., “What is captivating about this book is that it is so easy to read and practical in its application. It is one of the first dedicated to this growing area of specialization that clearly gives hospital social work and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration its due. With enthusiastic optimism and passion, the author provides the reader with an awareness of the key issues and concerns that surround this journey, while also providing the practice tools needed for new and seasoned medical social workers to maintain and cultivate their place at the table in this competitive, interdisciplinary field of practice.” –- Sophia F. Dziegielewski, Ph.D., LCSW, Professor and Director of the School of Social Work, University of Cincinnati“Beder’s book is a refreshing and interesting perspective on hospital social work. Interviews with social workers, a cogent description of each practice area, and examples of the art and science of social work are presented so that the reader can understand what it is like to be a social worker, with all its rewards and frustrations. It is a worthwhile addition to the health care social work literature.” -- Gary Rosenberg, Ph.D., Edith J. Baerwald Professor of Community and Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine

Joan Beder, DSW, is a Professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University in New York. She has been a social worker, specializing in areas of medical social work for 30 years, with particular interest in working with those who are terminally ill/dying. She is the author of Voices of Bereavement: A Casebook for Grief Counselors.