Social work strategies to help trauma patients

When treating patients with life-changing injuries, acute care social workers may best be able to help a patient if they don’t go it alone. Connecting with providers and establishing relationships can go a long way in helping patients, according to CMSA Today.

For patients who have traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries, early intervention is key. Social workers should consult with specialists, including rehabilitation providers, at the beginning of the acute care stay to help patients make a smooth transition to postacute care, according to CMSA Today.

Partnering with psychiatrists who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation can also prove beneficial for social workers as well as case managers. Psychiatrists can often help patients select the right level of care and can work with the social worker, patient, and family on a discharge plan. They can also help educate patients on the nature of their injury and prevention of future injuries, according to CMSA Today.