Effectiveness of the Bridge Model in Improving Professional Performance of Social Workers in Hospital Settings: A Systematic Review
1 Ph.D, Sociology, Department of Social Services, King abdulaziz medical City, NGHA, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
2 Social worker l, Department of Social Services, King abdulaziz medical City, NGHA, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
3 Social worker ll, Department of Social Services, King abdulaziz medical City, NGHA, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 24(01), 2794-2803
Publication history:
Received on 26 August 2024; revised on 04 October 2024; accepted on 10 October 2024
Abstract:
Background: Social workers play a vital role in hospitals by providing psychosocial support, facilitating multidisciplinary collaboration, and linking patients with community resources. However, their professional performance often remains constrained by traditional practices and limited integration with modern theoretical models. This study aims to propose a framework for activating the professional performance of social workers in hospitals through the Bridge Model, emphasizing its application at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital.
Methods: The research adopted an analytical and descriptive approach, combining theoretical review of professional performance concepts and the Bridge Model with structured observation of social work practices in the hospital setting. Key elements such as professional knowledge, skills, ethics, and institutional support were examined, alongside challenges affecting social workers’ ability to meet patients’ complex needs.
Results: Findings revealed a gap between theoretical knowledge and applied practice, with social workers facing barriers including administrative overload, limited training opportunities, and weak institutional-community integration. The proposed framework highlights four components: the coordinating role of social workers, the use of bridging tools (digital files and referral systems), professional training and development, and systematic monitoring and evaluation. Implementation requires multi-level interventions—organizational, professional, and community-based—supported by policies, training programs, and partnerships with civil society.
Conclusion: Activating the Bridge Model in hospital settings can enhance the professional performance of social workers by ensuring holistic, continuous, and integrated care. The framework strengthens their role as mediators between healthcare institutions and community resources, thereby improving the quality of life of vulnerable patients—particularly children with cancer and chronic illnesses.
Keywords:
Social work; professional performance; Bridge Model; hospital social workers; psychosocial care; King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital
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Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0