Name: Hanifah A.

Barodi

Position: Medical Social Worker

Employment Period: February 1 to April 30, 2024

As a newcomer in a job as a Medical Social Worker it has been both rewarding and challenging
to start working efficiently while fast learning and coping with the complex healthcare system, including
hospital protocols, documentation requirements, and interdisciplinary team dynamics. Despite these, as
a professional Social Worker, it is a different satisfaction to provide service and see a significant impact in
the lives of those in needs, and this motivates me to work more and give the best service I could provide
in this field. For my three months being in service the following were the key services we provided, such
as;

- Resource Coordination- includes assisting patients in accessing social services, financial

assistance programs, and community resources to meet their basic needs, such healthcare
coverage, and empower them to make informed decisions about their care. A weekly
information drive is being conducted around wards and stations to educate and inform patients
and their watchers about the service they can avail and what are the requirements they need to
provide.
- Crisis Intervention - provide crisis intervention services to patients and families facing acute
psychosocial stressors or emergencies, such as sudden illness, trauma, or bereavement.
- Discharge Planning- Collaborating with healthcare teams to develop discharge plans that ensure
patients have the necessary support and resources for a smooth transition from the hospital to
home or another care setting.
- Documentation: Includes conducting interviews and profiling, and maintain accurate and
detailed records of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with
professional and regulatory standard. Taking charge of interviewing the informants during the
process of availing government medical or social services program such as MALASAKIT and
PhilHealth.

Along with this, challenges as well are inevitable. In personal experience as a newcomer, the
multitasking is way different from those in the field for the long time. Handling workloads, while
adjusting in the system and understanding all the processes while applying it in daily activities needs a
lot more of effort and versatility. While in view of the challenges faced as Medical Social Workers in
Lanao del Sur can be multifaceted due to various factors specific to the region.

The challenges serve also as the catalyst to boost our resilience to handle the job, to be
innovative and resourceful under whatever situation. Reflecting on one's practice, seeking feedback
from colleagues and supervisors, and continuously striving for improvement was helpful in my
professional growth as a newbie in the field of medical social work. Pursuing ongoing training,
continuing education, and professional development opportunities is essential for new Medical
Social Workers to enhance their clinical skills, expand knowledge base, and stay current with
advancements in the field is deemed important.

The above-mentioned responsibilities and tasks may vary depending on the daily setting and
population served. Despite these challenges, being a Medical Social Worker can be incredibly fulfilling, as
it offers opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and families during times of
vulnerability and need. With dedication, perseverance, and ongoing support, newbies can overcome
these challenges and thrive in their role as healthcare professionals.