Social Workers’ Medical Social Services Units Practices: Challenges and Opportunities to Medical Social Officers in Sargodha Division

Abstract

This study aims to examine the challenges and opportunities to Medical Social Officers (MSOs) in Sargodha Division. MSOs are considered to be an integral part of healthcare system by providing clinical, social and emotional support to patients. This qualitative research was carried out by using interview guide and participants were selected using purposive sampling to assure relevance to the study goal. Data was collected from 12 MSOs when it reached to saturation. It has identifies key themes of Multiple faces of Challenges in Medical Services Units, Trainings or Capacity Building opportunities and Ethical Dilemmas and Medical Social Services Units Practices. It concludes that confronted challenges move around background education of MSOs, lack of collaboration of hospital administration, resources constraints and their professional growth. It is recommended that MSOs practices can be improved through advance training programs in alliance with current needs of the patients.