Social Workers' Role in Understanding Illness and Prognosis
Author Information
Author(s): ODonnell Arden, Gonyea Judith
Primary Institution: Boston University
Hypothesis
How do hospital-based physicians and palliative social workers perceive their roles in prognostic conversations?
Conclusion
The study highlights the important role of social workers in enhancing patients' understanding of prognosis and the need for clear role definitions in healthcare teams.
Supporting Evidence
- Social workers can assess patients' readiness for prognostic discussions.
- Social workers help identify gaps in patient understanding.
- They translate medical conditions into lived reality for patients.
- Social workers support emotional processing for patients and their families.
Takeaway
Social workers help patients understand their illnesses and what to expect, and it's important for everyone on the healthcare team to know their roles.
Methodology
Qualitative study using semi-structured Zoom interviews and thematic analysis.
Limitations
Concerns about role conflicts when social workers engage in complex medical discussions.
Participant Demographics
Matched hospital-based physicians and palliative social workers across the U.S.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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