SOCIAL WORK IN HOSPITALS IN SLOVAKIA: CURRENT WORKING CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTIES IN THE VIEW OF THE PROFESSIONALS
SOCIAL WORK IN HOSPITALS IN SLOVAKIA: CURRENT WORKING CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTIES IN THE VIEW OF THE PROFESSIONALS

Summary/Abstract: This is one of the first attempts to describe the situation of social workers in hospitals in Slovakia. Social work in health care is an area which had a long tradition and was developed further again in Slovakia from 1989 on but is to a high degree still not sufficiently established. The aim of the study is to identify the key factors considered as most crucial for the work performance and work satisfaction of social workers in hospitals. 18 out of 31 social workers at university hopitals have participated in our study. In our findings, four key factors emerged that significantly determine their work situation: a lack of statuatory rules which give only little orientation to social workers, organizational structures which are not prepared to fully acknowledge social work as important part of healing processes, organizational cultures which are not able to support interprofessional team work, and diffculties with the coordination of patients discharge and the organisation of post hospital care. These circumstances make social work in hospitals more difficult and are forcing social worker to continuously advocate their own position and competences.

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