The nature of medical social work

Medical social work is one of the longest established branches of social work, dating back to the end of the last century. This does not, however, absolve it from justifying a continued existence, and defining its terms of reference in the light of current social problems and provision. The need for constant reappraisal is common to many types of human activity, but there are particular reasons why it is of particular importance in social work. One obvious reason lies in the many changes in our social structure, and the evolution of the various social services to meet them. Another stems from the need to clarify the confusion which has arisen in recent years over the relationship in social work between the ‘generic’ and the ‘specialist’ elements.