From the Guidelines
Social workers can assist patients with transportation needs by investing in community resource navigation, such as connecting patients with community health workers who can facilitate linkage with transportation resources and navigation of medical services. This approach is supported by a recent study published in 2024 1, which highlights the importance of community resource navigation in addressing social needs, including transportation. The study suggests that increased investment in social work and alternative care models, such as the Accountable Health Communities Model, can help bridge the gap between healthcare and community service providers, ultimately improving healthcare utilization outcomes and reducing costs.
Some key strategies that social workers can use to assist patients with transportation needs include:
- Conducting a comprehensive assessment to identify specific barriers to transportation, such as financial constraints or physical limitations
- Connecting patients with appropriate resources, including Medicaid transportation services, hospital shuttle programs, or volunteer driver programs
- Helping patients complete applications for transportation assistance programs and coordinating ride schedules
- Teaching patients how to navigate public transportation systems and developing sustainable transportation plans
- Advocating for patients by requesting transportation vouchers from healthcare organizations or seeking funding from community agencies
As noted in a 2018 study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1, providing referrals for transportation assistance programs and identifying resources for respite care can be particularly helpful for patients who must travel to receive treatment. However, the more recent study published in 2024 1 provides stronger evidence for the importance of community resource navigation in addressing transportation needs, and therefore takes precedence in guiding clinical practice. By prioritizing community resource navigation and investing in social work, healthcare providers can help improve health outcomes and reduce disparities in access to care.
From the Research
Transportation Needs of Patients
Social workers can play a crucial role in assisting patients with transportation needs, which is a significant social determinant of health. The following are some ways social workers can help:
- Providing bus passes, taxi/transport vouchers or reimbursement, arranging or connecting participants to transportation, and offering free shuttle services 2
- Offering transportation support as part of multi-component interventions, including counseling, care coordination, education, financial incentives, motivational interviewing, and navigation assistance 2
- Identifying and addressing transportation barriers, which can be a significant obstacle to accessing healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations 3, 4
Role of Social Workers in Addressing Transportation Needs
Social workers can work with other healthcare professionals, such as community health/outreach workers, nurses, and research or clinic staff, to provide transportation services and support to patients 2. They can also play a key role in identifying and addressing the social needs of patients, including transportation, and connecting them with relevant resources and services 5, 6.
Benefits of Addressing Transportation Needs
Addressing transportation needs can have a positive impact on patient health outcomes, including improved cancer screening rates, chronic disease management, hospital utilization, linkage and follow up to care, and maternal empathy 2. It can also lead to lower healthcare use and costs, and better outcomes for patients 5. Social workers can contribute to these positive outcomes by providing transportation support and connecting patients with relevant resources and services 6.