Factors Influencing the Implementation of Social Work Services for Critically Ill Patients at a Vietnamese Hospital

Abstract

This article describes the current implementation and analyzes the key factors influencing the provision of social work services for critically ill patients at Da Nang C Hospital in central Vietnam. A mixed-methods research design was employed, and data were collected from April to June 2025. The findings indicated that the hospital’s Social Work Unit implemented four major services: emergency assistance; guidance, intervention, and rehabilitation; health education and communication; and resource mobilization. Among these, guidance, intervention, and rehabilitation services demonstrated the highest level of effectiveness, while communication and resource mobilization services were carried out through diverse approaches. In contrast, emergency assistance services were only implemented at a basic level. Several factors were identified as influencing the implementation of social work services, including the limited number and capacity of social work personnel; insufficient funding and the absence of clear mechanisms for multidisciplinary and intersectoral coordination; and inadequate facilities and equipment for the application of digital technology. The article recommends enhancing professional training for social workers, securing stable financial resources, improving infrastructure and equipment, and strengthening emergency support activities to optimize the effectiveness of social work service implementation at Da Nang C Hospital.

Received: 24^th October, 2025; Revised: 26^th January, 2026; Accepted: 14^th September, 2026