The Role of the Social Worker

Abstract

I am responding to the article in the March 2009 issue of D&T titled “The Non-Compliant Patient.”1 I agree with the statement that the mental state of end-stage renal disease patients may be a contributing factor to a patient's non-compliance and that depression needs to be better diagnosed and treated. However, I was disappointed not to see any mention of social workers being the best professionals in the dialysis unit to assess and treat patients for depression. Dialysis facilities are required by Medicare to hire licensed clinical social workers as part of the interdisciplinary team to perform clinical services. There are many facilities that prefer social workers handle administrative tasks. Licensed clinical social workers represent a large percentage of the mental health professionals in the country. First and foremost, nephrology social workers are responsible for the psychological needs of their patients. Concrete services, though important, are a secondary role. Nephrology social workers need to take a stronger position to emphasize our ability to perform clinical assessment, and provide appropriate intervention for our patients. Mary Rzeszut LMSW Mineola, NY