“Bridging the Gap: Medical and Psychiatric Social Work”

A special lecture titled “Bridging the Gap: Medical and Psychiatric Social Work” was held on 26.02.2024 at department of social work, PBMMEC campus, Mysuru. The lecture was presented by Dr. Pradeep, Assistant professor of psychiatric social work, JSS medical college and hospital, Mysuru. The lecture explored the intersection of medical and psychiatric social work, highlighting the crucial role social workers play in supporting patients facing both physical and mental health challenges.

Lecture Content

The lecture focused on the following key areas:

• The Holistic Approach in Healthcare: The speaker emphasized the importance of considering a patient’s social, emotional, and environmental circumstances alongside their physical and mental health concerns.
• Unique Challenges of Medical and Psychiatric Social Work: The lecture explored the complex challenges faced by social workers in healthcare settings, including navigating complex medical systems, advocating for patient needs, and addressing the social determinants of health.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Communication: The speaker highlighted the importance of collaboration between social workers, medical professionals, and mental health providers to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for patients.
• Case Studies and Practical Applications: The lecture incorporated real-world case studies to illustrate how medical and psychiatric social workers intervene and support patients with chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, and psychosocial stressors impacting their well-being.
• Emerging Trends and Future Directions: The speaker discussed emerging trends in medical and psychiatric social work, such as the integration of tele-health services and the growing emphasis on preventative care and community-based interventions.

Student Engagement

The lecture included an interactive Q&A session where attendees could ask questions and gain further insights into the field of medical and psychiatric social work. The speaker encouraged discussion on specific challenges faced by social workers in different healthcare settings and potential solutions to improve patient care.

Outcome:

The lecture provided valuable insights for a diverse audience, including:

• Social workers, especially those considering careers in healthcare settings.
• Medical professionals seeking to understand the role of social work in patient care.
• Individuals interested in learning more about the social determinants of health and the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare.

Overall, the special lecture on “Bridging the Gap: Medical and Psychiatric Social Work” highlighted the vital role social workers play in supporting the well-being of patients facing complex medical and mental health challenges. The lecture emphasized the importance of collaboration, communication, and a holistic approach to healthcare delivery.