Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the competence transformation process of medical social workers (MSWs) from novice to mainstay based on interviews with 12 MSWs with more than 15 years of experience working for acute-care hospitals. Interview data were analyzed using Modified Grounded Theory Approach. Three stages of storyline were detected as follows. At the first stage, many novice MSWs felt the conflict due to lack of ability for effective practice. A few MSWs did not feel such a conflict owing to cordial support by senior MSWs. At the second stage, almost all MSWs obtained basic practice competence through attending supervision lectures. They also reflected on the limitation of their ability while working at assigned duties. At the third stage, they finally obtained autonomous competence as MSWs-ie, with stable intervention ability, having his/her own stance and ability to establish stable relationships with clients and staff-through attending supervision lectures and performing coordination activities.
