Why did Diana hesitate to arrange services for Mr. Mitchell based on his previous history with service usage? What consequences might arise if Diana continued to arrange services he subsequently refused to use?

Question

While working as a medical social worker at Holland Community Hospital, Diana Howard, BSW, received a referral to coordinate home health services for patient Joshua Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell had been admitted to the hospital repeatedly after failing to make use of home health services set up for him in the past. In order for Mr. Mitchell to be released from the hospital he had to have a discharge plan from Diana. However, Diana was unsure what course to take as the medical staff pushed for his release and Diana searched for a way to provide services that Mr. Mitchell would use.

Answer 1

The limited availability of services may make Diana hesitant to arrange services for Mr. Mitchell based on his history of not using the services the social worker arranged for him upon his hospital discharge. Funding for services such as home health care and homemaker services was limited and by arranging services for Mr. Mitchell, other clients may not have been able to receive needed services. If Diana continued to arrange services that one client refused, the agencies may become less cooperative in providing services for other clients.