SOCIAL-WORK TECHNICIAN PROGRAM

The increasing use of US emergency departments has resulted in increased patient delays and resultant dissatisfaction on the part of the patients and their families. Furthermore, recent studies have indicated that these delays may jeopardize the health of the ED patient. We describe a program designed to address these concerns. The Social Work Technician Program employs social work students nearing graduation as liaisons between medical personnel and ED patients and their families. This program has been found to promote patient satisfaction and welfare while providing the students with a valuable educational experience.