ENHANCING THE PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE OF HOSPITAL SOCIAL WORKERS THROUGH THE BRIDGE MODEL: AN INTEGRATED FRAMEWORK FOR HOLISTIC AND SUSTAINABLE CARE

Abstract Background: Hospital social workers are central to health care, yet performance is constrained by traditional practice, administrative burden, and weak community linkages. The Bridge Model offers an integrative approach that connects clients, institutions, and resources while emphasizing continuity and empowerment. Objective: To develop a framework that activates professional performance using the Bridge Model at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital. Methods: An analytical–descriptive design combined a conceptual synthesis with structured observation of workflows. Assessment covered professional knowledge, skills, ethics, and institutional support. Barriers were mapped and implementable components with indicators specified. Results: Observation revealed gaps between theoretical knowledge and applied practice, limited training opportunities, administrative overload, and insufficient integration with community organizations. A four-component framework was formulated: clarified coordination roles; digital social files, electronic referral pathways, and resource databases; targeted training and professional development; and systematic monitoring and evaluation. Anticipated benefits include improved continuity of care, better multidisciplinary collaboration, and stronger psychosocial support for children with cancer and chronic illnesses. Conclusion: Operationalizing the Bridge Model can institutionalize hospital–community partnerships and elevate professional performance, enabling holistic, continuous, and sustainable care. The proposed roadmap details policy enablers, capacity building, and digital infrastructure required for scalable implementation and rigorous evaluation in routine hospital practice.