Short summary

This study is a descriptive study on the social nursing initiative at Odense University Hospital. The study aims to examine the social nurses' activities in a period of two years (2019-2021) and the characteristics of the patient group. In addition to the descriptive data, individual interviews on patients will be conducted aiming to explore patient experiences of the social nursing initiative.

Rationale

Socially marginalized patients often experience stigmatization and are perceived as complex patients when admitted to somatic hospitals. Evidence shows that socially marginalized individuals face several social stress factors that are complicating their coping with the disease and reducing their ability to complete hospitalization. The rationale of the social nursing initiative is to support a high quality of treatment and care, including more patients completing planned treatment and fewer readmissions to the hospital. Additionally, the social nursing initiative aims to improve the patients' and healthcare professionals' experience of the hospitalization process.

Description of the cohort

Patients eligible for the project are ≥ 18 years who have been in contact with a social nurse during their admission to the hospital at Odense University Hospital.

Data and biological material

• Sociodemographic information.

• Information about social nurse activities.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Emergency Department, Odense University Hospital