Utilization of social work in adult emergency departments: a scoping review

Social workers fulfill diverse roles in EDs, primarily focused on referrals to community resources, reducing hospital utilization, providing psychosocial support, and guiding patients through serious illness. Significant variation exists in implementation, staffing, and utilization of social work across institutions. EDs should consider involving social work directly with critically ill patients, as well as supporting the improvement and development of relationships with community services.