A intervenção do assistente social no atendimento hospitalar de usuários em situação de vulnerabilidade social: uma revisão da literatura
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Social vulnerability constitutes an important dimension related to the health–disease process, especially among individuals facing economic, family, territorial, and access-related barriers to public policies. In the hospital setting, these conditions may interfere with treatment, length of stay, and continuity of care after discharge. The general objective of this study was to analyze the intervention of social workers in hospital care for individuals in situations of social vulnerability. The specific objectives were to identify the main expressions of social vulnerability present in the hospital context; analyze the strategies and instruments used by social workers; and understand the importance of interprofessional, intersectoral, and network-based collaboration in ensuring rights and continuity of care. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach, conducted through a survey of scientific publications available in health and Social Work databases. Studies published between 2021 and 2026 related to the professional practice of social workers, social vulnerability, hospital care, rights protection, and continuity of care were considered. The results were organized into three thematic categories: expressions of social vulnerability in hospital care; professional intervention strategies; and network-based collaboration and continuity of care. The studies demonstrated that social workers are involved in identifying social needs, providing support, offering guidance on rights, conducting social assessments, making referrals, coordinating with network services, and planning hospital discharge. It is concluded that professional intervention contributes to a broader understanding of users’ needs and strengthens comprehensive care, although challenges remain regarding network fragmentation, working conditions, and insufficient social and institutional resources.
Source: Revista fisio&terapia.
DOI: 10.69849/662p9265
Language: English
Topic: Social and Political Issues
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7221309305