Abstract
M.A. (Social Work)
Accountability and competence are two important attributes needed by medical social workers
in the changing social, political, economic and organizational situation in South Africa, In
order -to be accountable and competent, medical social workers must be in possession of
scientific knowledge, skills and the correct attitude regarding assessment, intervention and
evaluation.
The change in emphasis from long-term to short-term hospitalization and the importance of
primary health care, means that within the limitations of the present organization structure,
assessment is often the most important and sometimes the only, aspect in the helping process.
The knowledge and skills of the medical social workers need to be extended; this study
therefore focuses on effective assessment that will equip the medical social worker to render
an effective service through linking resources within the patient, hospital and within the
community. The aim of this study is the development of a training programme for medical social workers
to extend their knowledge and skills in assessment.