Christian Díaz, a Medical Social Worker, works to provide support and crisis intervention to patients and families during these critical times and during moments of uncertainty

Christian Díaz

I work as a medical social worker in a hospital that serves the greater San Gabriel Valley community. Working as a medical social worker during the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed me to provide support and crisis intervention to patients and families during these critical times and during moments of uncertainty. Many of my patients have multiple medical issues which include cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, congestive heart failure etc. and being at the hospital alone creates feelings of isolation and depression. Being able to provide FaceTime or call options to our patients via iPhone or tablet allows our patients to connect with their loved ones at a distance. Many of our families are resorting to saying goodbye to their loved ones via phone/FaceTime as visitors are not permitted on hospital premises to help protect viral spread. Serving as support to our patients, families, and staff with high levels of anxiety and worry has made our role so important and vital. As my colleagues take care of the physical components we take care of the mental needs. Providing resources to our homeless, conducting self harm evaluations and speaking to patients about healthcare decisions and advance care planning are some of the things we do. Now more than ever we want to make sure that our patients feel loved, supported and understood. It has been very difficult having patients receive bad news without their loved ones being present and as medical social workers we serve as the bridge between connection to family and understanding of the healthcare role.

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