Marzieh Sadeghi Hardangi, Ahmad Kalateh Sadati, Seyed Reza Javadian,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Hospital social workers as a group of discharge planners perform effective interventions for the safe discharge of patients. The purpose of this research was to investigate the interventions of medical social workers in safe discharge of patients.
Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in 2023 in Iran. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a sample of 16 social workers working in public hospitals selected by purposeful, accessible and snowball sampling and analyzed using the thematic analysis method.
Results: The findings of this research show that hospital social workers implement specialized interventions within a framework of six planning stages with the aim of safe patient discharge. The three main themes are: professional intelligence, supportive framework and sustainability of interventions; the main theme of the current research is safe discharge.
Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that the interventions of social workers for the safe discharge of the patients include measures before, during and after the discharge of a patient, based on the principles, values, intelligence, professional skills and the social work process. Social workers in this field need the support of responsible officials in the health system.
Musa Laighi Ghale Sokhteh, Ahmad Kalateh Sadati, Hossein Afrasiabi, Sara Sadeghieh,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background and Purpose: The development of the rural areas relies heavily on addressing health issues and ensuring access to healthcare for the villagers. The primary objective of this research is to explore the perceptions and experiences related to access to health services among the residents of the Falard county in Lordegan, Iran.
Material and Methods: This study employed a qualitative research method utilizing grounded theory. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, achieving saturation with a sample of 20 participants. The manuscript data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding methods, ultimately leading to the development of a grounded theory.
Results: The findings showed that the understanding and experience of the villagers is based on the change in the pattern of diseases and the need for specialized and super-specialized services, and in this context, a kind of comparison is made with the urban dwellers. The participants face obstacles to receive the mentioned services, while the actions of the rural health house centers are not up to their expectations. The three main categories which explored are: incomplete access and coverage, feelings of inequality, and marginalization. The central theme of this research is encapsulated in the concept of an intensified perception of inequality in access to health services.
Conclusion: The development of rural villages relies heavily on addressing health issues and ensuring access to related services. Despite the significant efforts made by governments over the past four decades to improve rural health, access to these services remains a critical concern. The changing patterns of diseases, the aging population of villagers, and the growing sense of relative deprivation and inequality in accessing health services are the most pressing challenges that health policymakers must prioritize.