Researchers from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi have published findings in The British Journal of Social Work revealing that hospital social workers in Ghana play a critical but under-recognized role in patient care, particularly during discharge and transitional care.
The study, titled "The Evolving Role of Ghanaian Hospital Social Workers: Role Learning, Recognition, and Challenges to Transitional Care," was authored by John Boulard Forkuor, Franklin Abeiku Siaw Benyin, Florence Kyei Baffour, David Forkuor, and Kwadwo Ofori-Dua from KNUST's Department of Sociology and Social Work and Department of Geography and Rural Development.
Unclear role definitions, limited resources, and low professional recognition continue to constrain the impact of hospital social workers within Ghana's healthcare system, according to the research.
The study drew on qualitative data from eleven hospital social workers across various Ghanaian hospitals. Using semi-structured interviews and field observations, the team explored how these professionals learn and perform their roles within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Most social workers learn their duties informally, relying on guidance from more experienced colleagues rather than structured training or clearly defined institutional frameworks. This informal approach affects their confidence and effectiveness, as well as the resources allocated for post-discharge interventions.
Other healthcare professionals often lack a clear understanding of what social workers contribute within hospital settings. This knowledge gap limits effective collaboration and teamwork.
A major challenge identified was the lack of resources for community-based follow-up care. Social workers reported difficulties conducting home visits due to transportation constraints and insufficient funding. Some resort to using personal resources to support patients.
The study found that Ghanaian hospital social workers demonstrate strong professional commitment despite these systemic challenges. They apply core social work principles such as advocacy, empathy, and holistic care to support patients' social and emotional needs alongside medical treatment.
Drawing on Evetts' conceptual framework of professions, the researchers describe this commitment as "occupational professionalism." They argue it provides a strong foundation for developing hospital social work in Ghana.
The KNUST team recommends establishing more structured and institutionalized systems. These include clearer role definitions, improved recognition within hospitals, and better resourcing for transitional and post-discharge care.
Formally integrating hospital social work could significantly improve patient outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations making the difficult transition from hospital to home, the study concludes.