The role of medical social workers in supporting patients with chronic illnesses: A qualitative study

Abstract

This study investigates the essential role of medical social workers in supporting patients coping with chronic illnesses. Through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, we explore the experiences, challenges, and strategies employed by these professionals across diverse healthcare settings. Key themes such as emotional support, care coordination, resource navigation, advocacy, and patient education emerge from the narratives of medical social workers selected through purposive sampling from hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. The study emphasizes the critical impact of these roles in enhancing patient well-being and navigating complex healthcare systems. Ethical considerations ensured participant confidentiality and informed consent, with data rigorously analyzed to extract meaningful insights. Despite limitations in sample size and reliance on self-reported data, this research offers a nuanced understanding of how medical social workers contribute to holistic care for patients with chronic illnesses.