Which professional serves as a discharge planner and coordinates services to address financial, housing, psychosocial and employment needs?

Which professional serves as a discharge planner and coordinates services to address financial, housing, psychosocial and employment needs?

• A. Nurse Case Managers
• B. Physician (MD)
• C. Physician Assistant
• D. Social Worker

Answer: (C)

Discharge planning centers on identifying what a patient will need after leaving the hospital and connecting them with resources to meet those needs. The professional who specializes in assessing psychosocial factors and linking patients to community supports—such as housing assistance, financial aid, transportation, and employment resources—is the social worker. They collaborate with the patient, family, and the health-care team to ensure a safe, smooth transition home and to address barriers to ongoing care. Nurse case managers also assist with discharge planning, but social workers are the ones whose focus is connecting patients to community services and addressing psychosocial and practical needs beyond medical treatment. Physicians and physician assistants concentrate on medical decisions and coordinating clinical care rather than coordinating post-discharge social supports.

Discharge planning centers on identifying what a patient will need after leaving the hospital and connecting them with resources to meet those needs. The professional who specializes in assessing psychosocial factors and linking patients to community supports—such as housing assistance, financial aid, transportation, and employment resources—is the social worker. They collaborate with the patient, family, and the health-care team to ensure a safe, smooth transition home and to address barriers to ongoing care. Nurse case managers also assist with discharge planning, but social workers are the ones whose focus is connecting patients to community services and addressing psychosocial and practical needs beyond medical treatment. Physicians and physician assistants concentrate on medical decisions and coordinating clinical care rather than coordinating post-discharge social supports.