Hälso- och sjukvårdskurator på IVA - en specialiserad yrkesroll som riskerar att bli personbunden

Abstract

Patients in the intensive care unit are in critical need of specialized medical treatment and care but also of psychosocial support. We conducted a qualitative interview study to explore the professional social work role in the ICU in relation to specific conditions and room for practice. Empirical data was analyzed through a sociological perspective on professions and role theory. The results reveal that the role develops through social negotiations but also according to how the social worker perceives and uses his/her room for practice. There is a risk that specialized competency is not integrated in the organization or profession at large but rather remains with the individual social worker. Further study of how professional social work roles in health care develop, and professional and organizational consequences is motivated.