SWK356e: A Medical Social Worker has Received an Outpatient Referral on John, a 45-year-old Married Man, Who lives with his wife and Two Daughters: Social Work in Healthcare Coursework, SUSS, Singapore

Question 1

A medical social worker has received an outpatient referral on John, a 45-year-old married man, who lives with his wife and two daughters (aged 12 and 10). John is diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune disorder characterised by a weakened immune system.

He has started to experience mild complications ranging from pain in his joints, hands, wrists, and knees. He is aware that the illness if not adequately managed, may progress to osteoporosis.

For many nights, John struggles to sleep as his hands may turn swollen. Despite applying ointment, John still experiences a sharp and excruciating pain akin to being poked by needles each time he tries to shift his shoulder joint. John used to enjoy jogging and loved going to cinemas. However, due to the pain and tiredness, he now spends most of his time at home. Overall, John finds the pain difficult to bear and has sought the doctor and the medical social worker for help.

a) Demonstrate your understanding of rheumatoid arthritis and its health complications.

b) Analyse the major socio-cultural and familial factors that may impact John as he copes with his condition.

c) Examine FOUR (4) main intervention steps that the attending social worker could formulate with the family

Question 2

a) Drawing on research and related readings, critically appraise our local healthcare service delivery and financing model in meeting the rising needs and public expectations for equitability and accountability.

b) In an inter-disciplinary and/or multi-disciplinary work setting, the values of different professionals in the healthcare team may be in conflict. Apply THREE (3) relevant principles in dealing with ethical challenges that may impede the goal of achieving high-value team-based health care in a hospital setting.