Danielle Jonas1, Caitlin Scanlon2, Lauren Schmidt3, Jori Bogetz4. 1. Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, New York, USA. 2. Palliative Care Social Work, Pediatric Palliative Care Team, Indiana University Health, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. 3. Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA. 4. Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Abstract
Background: Palliative care social workers (PCSWs) play a crucial role in optimizing communication and family-centered care for seriously ill patients. However, PCSWs often struggle to demonstrate and receive open acknowledgment of their essential skill set within medical teams. Objective: This case discussion focuses on the care of patients and families surrounding family meetings to highlight the crucial role of the PCSW in (1) preparing the family; (2) participating in the provider meeting; (3) participating in the family meeting; and (4) following up after the meeting. The aim is to illuminate how the PCSWs can demonstrate their unique and essential skill set to medical teams and as a means of furthering the work of psychosocial clinicians throughout medical systems. Conclusion: As the medical model continues to shift toward family-centered care, it is crucial for medical teams to optimize their partnership with patients and families. PCSWs can offer a trauma-informed biopsychosocial-spiritual lens that is instructed by continuity of care and exemplary clinical and rapport-building skills. PCSWs can play a critical role in optimizing communication, support, collaboration, and family-centered whole-person care.
Background: Palliative care social workers (PCSWs) play a crucial role in optimizing communication and family-centered care for seriously ill patients. However, PCSWs often struggle to demonstrate and receive open acknowledgment of their essential skill set within medical teams. Objective: This case discussion focuses on the care of patients and families surrounding family meetings to highlight the crucial role of the PCSW in (1) preparing the family; (2) participating in the provider meeting; (3) participating in the family meeting; and (4) following up after the meeting. The aim is to illuminate how the PCSWs can demonstrate their unique and essential skill set to medical teams and as a means of furthering the work of psychosocial clinicians throughout medical systems. Conclusion: As the medical model continues to shift toward family-centered care, it is crucial for medical teams to optimize their partnership with patients and families. PCSWs can offer a trauma-informed biopsychosocial-spiritual lens that is instructed by continuity of care and exemplary clinical and rapport-building skills. PCSWs can play a critical role in optimizing communication, support, collaboration, and family-centered whole-person care.
Entities:
Keywords:
family meetings; psychosocial support; social work
Authors: Sam Farley; Simran Bansal; Mary Carol Barks; Kathryn I Pollak; Erica C Kaye; Anna Quarles; Kathleen Briglia; Erika Johnson; Kristen Lakis; Monica E Lemmon Journal: J Palliat Med Date: 2022-03-14 Impact factor: 2.947