The multiproblem patient. A goal-oriented approach.

Abstract

With greater accessibility of patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to medical care, the physician in private or clinical practice is increasingly confronted with patients whose medical problems either become quickly overshadowed by or entwined with seemingly hopeless socioeconomic or legal problems. Traditionally, these patients have sought help in charity hospitals and emergency rooms that are staffed with social workers, rehabilitation counselors, and other trained personnel who could deal with problems that were not specifically medical. As accessibility to physicians in private or clinical practice increases, the need for specific techniques in working with persons from this population becomes critical.