In the medical setting, social workers assess biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the challenges a patient may face while working toward their healthcare goals. Medical Social Workers assist patients in identifying their needs, creating specific goals, and offering guidance in achieving those goals.
The Medical Social Worker is Part of Your Healthcare Team
Our Medical Social Worker can assist you to manage health conditions, prioritize healthcare needs and navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system. Services include:
- Support to meet basic needs such as food, medicine, clothing and shelter
- Guidance and resources to support caregivers and help prevent burnout
- Assistance to find helpful community resources
- Help meeting the treatment goals of complex health conditions
- Resources to address mental health concerns or a need for counseling
- Connect to resources such as Diabetes and other health programs, palliative care and prescription navigator
- Planning for end of life including help completing Advance Directives and POLST forms
Creating a Self-Care Plan
Working closely with you, your family members, caregivers and healthcare providers, the Medical Social Worker will help you develop a self-care plan which serve as a "road map" to improving health. The self-care plan:
- Addresses current issues while keeping in mind your preferences
- Connects you to resources needed
- Develops strategies to deal with potential barriers
The self-care plan is a tool to help you achieve your personal lifestyle and health goals.
SansumCare
Medical Social Work is closely connected to our SansumCare, a model for primary care where all aspects of patient care are coordinated through PCPs to ensure patients receive excellent care in the right place, at the right time, and in the manner that best suits their needs. SansumCare is not a place, it's a partnership among practitioners, patients and families and other members of the healthcare team to ensure that patients have the education and support needed to make informed decisions and participate in their own healthcare.
Advanced Care Planning
Our Social Workers also provide Advance Care Planning services.
About the Medical Social Worker
Christine Cruse, LCSW - Medical Social Worker received her Master of Social Work from CSU Long Beach and has 25 years experiences as a Medical Social Worker. Christine gained her work experience in various settings including hospital, hospice, home health, care management, international adoption and with the chronically ill. Her goal is to help you maintain or improve your overall health and well-being
Schedule an Appointment
Medical Social Work is free of charge to patients of Sansum Clinic and the families and caregivers who support them. A visit in the office or a telephone call is available only by appointment. To schedule an appointment with the Medical Social Worker please call (805) 681-7580.