Development of Guideline for Providing Medical Social Work Service, Roi Et Hospital

Abstract

Purposes: This developmental research aimed to study the problems of medical social work service provision, develop the Medical Social Work Service Guideline (REH-MSW Model), and evaluate the guideline's implementation at Roi Et Hospital.

Study design: The study was conducted using a developmental research design.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted from January to November 2025, with data collection during the pilot phase occurring between September 11 and November 30, 2025. Purposive and total population sampling was used to select 5 medical social workers and 43 professional nurses (ward supervisors). Instruments included the REH-MSW Model Guideline (IOC = 0.91) and a practice/satisfaction questionnaire (Cronbach's α of 0.80 overall). Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, Independent t-test, and Paired t-test.

Main finding: Three major systemic gaps were identified: non-standard referrals, incomplete documentation, and the "Holiday Contact Gap". The developed REH-MSW Model has 4 core components (screening, 5-step SOPs, standardized documentation, and continuous coordination). Post-intervention results (Paired t-test, p<.001) showed statistically significant improvements: standard referral form usage rate reached 92% [303], emergency contact success was 95%, and social problem resolution success increased to 88%. Overall patient/relative satisfaction scored 4.70/5.00, and staff satisfaction with the guideline was High to Highest (Mean > 4.60).

Conclusion and recommendations: The REH-MSW Model successfully served as a "bridge" and resolved critical systemic gaps, leading to significant improvements in service quality and patient outcomes. It is recommended that the guideline be immediately adopted as a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and integrated into the EMR/HIS system for long-term sustainability.