Introduction to Medical Social Work
この電子書籍について
The Foundational Textbook for Aspiring Social Workers
This introductory textbook provides the essential blueprint for beginning your career in Medical Social Work. It clearly explains core healthcare concepts and foundational clinical principles, ensuring every social work student starts with a complete understanding of this specialized field. If you are taking your first course in health or aspiring to work in a medical setting, this is your definitive guide.
Establish Your Foundational Understanding
This book focuses directly on introducing the core responsibilities and necessary knowledge required in every hospital and clinic, building your initial competence for advanced study:
1. Holistic Assessment
Learn the core concept of the Biopsychosocial Model to understand how social barriers, emotional health, and physical illness are linked.
Understand established introductory theories (like the HBM and TTM) used to assess patient adherence and identify initial barriers to recovery.
2. Crisis & Communication Protocols
Gain initial familiarity with structured clinical protocols (like SPIKES) used for managing high-stress conversations, including breaking bad news and specialized grief and bereavement counseling.
Learn the fundamental ethical mandate of patient autonomy and the social worker's role in supporting difficult decisions, such as those related to end-of-life care.
3. Resource & System Advocacy
Understand the crucial operational process of discharge planning and care transitions—the most vital function in the hospital system.
Become familiar with the models used to identify the need for and secure essential resources (housing, equipment, financial aid) that ensure post-discharge stability.
Your Professional Foundation
Build your career on a solid ethical and historical base. This book provides a clear global perspective on the profession's evolution and introduces the ethical mandate to fight for social justice and health equity. Your foundational journey in healthcare starts here.
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著者について
Jolly John Odathakkal, a dedicated Catholic priest, is a passionate social worker, research enthusiast, educator, and experienced trainer. Currently pursuing a PhD in Social Work with a focus on youth identity formation, he is deeply committed to understanding and enhancing the development of young individuals in an ever-evolving society.
With over 20 years of experience training parents, teachers, and children, he has played a pivotal role in shaping young minds and fostering both academic and personal growth through evidence-based practices. His research-driven approach underscores his dedication to empowering youth and guiding them toward a strong, positive sense of self.
He holds an MSW from Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), an MSc in Applied Psychology from Bharathiar University, a B.Ed in Social Science from University College of Teacher Education, and a BA in Economics from St. Paul’s College, Kalamassery. Additionally, he has earned bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Theology, reflecting his holistic approach to education and personal development.
Since 2005, Jolly John Odathakkal has worked extensively with children and youth, focusing on personality development, emotional intelligence, and academic skills through structured training programs. His expertise in academic enhancement, psychological well-being, and social work interventions has made him a sought-after trainer and mentor.
His professional journey includes serving as Vice-Chairman and Head of the Department of Social Work at St. Albert’s College (Autonomous), Kochi, Assistant Director at Navadarsan, Director of the Pioneer Build-Up Programme, and Visiting Faculty at Sidhisadan College of Nursing. He has also contributed significantly to educational leadership by serving on the Governing Boards of St. Albert’s College and St. Paul’s College, showcasing his administrative acumen and commitment to academic excellence.
Through his doctoral research on youth identity formation, Jolly John Odathakkal continues to explore the challenges and opportunities that shape young individuals, with a mission to empower children, youth, parents, and educators. His work remains instrumental in helping them navigate the complexities of modern education and personal growth with resilience, confidence, and purpose.
