When support systems struggle: Uncovering challenges encountered by medical social workers in Tanzanian zonal hospitals

Medical social work marked a significant evolution in healthcare, emphasizing holistic care by integrating social, psychological, and biological aspects. This study examined the challenges faced by medical social workers in Tanzanian zonal hospitals. The study employed a mixed-method approach with a convergent design. A sample of 88 participants (67 doctors, 16 social workers and 5 administrators) was selected through simple random and purposive and sampling techniques. Data collection tools included questionnaires, interview guides, and document analysis guides. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The study unveiled that 88.1% of medical doctors believe that hospital social workers face significant challenges that negatively impact their services within the healthcare landscape and compromise interprofessional collaboration. Furthermore, high workload, inadequate staffing, lack of clear organizational structure and reporting systems, lack of national guidelines and policies for hospital social work services, inadequate support and recognition of the social work profession in healthcare were identified as key constraints facing medical social workers in healthcare settings. The study recommends reforms in medical social work practices to address these shortcomings and enhance their contributions to the healthcare system.