What is the term for social work locations that support other primary functions, such as hospitals?

The term that best describes social work locations that support other primary functions, such as hospitals, is "secondary settings." These environments are not focused solely on social work; instead, they serve specific primary functions, like healthcare in the case of hospitals, while also providing social work services to address the needs of their clients. This dual focus allows social workers to collaborate with professionals from other fields, enhancing holistic care.

In secondary settings, social workers play a crucial role in assessing the social dimensions of health and illness, helping patients navigate complex systems, providing counseling, and facilitating access to resources, all of which contribute to the broader aims of the primary institution. Understanding this relationship highlights the importance of integrated care and the diverse contexts in which social workers operate.