9 | P a g e
Title of Study
What are the experiences of
community social workers
supporting those impacted by a
non-malignant palliative condition?
Abstract
Context
A systematic narrative review has previously been completed by the researcher
in relation to the social work contribution to palliative care. The planned study
sought to build on the findings with a specific focus on non-malignant (noncancer)
palliative conditions. Compared to those with a cancer diagnosis,
access issues for those living with non-malignant disease are more problematic
due to a range of issues including: poor identification of need and
prognostication, limited awareness around the value of the palliative care
approach, insufficient understanding by patients/carers about the illness, patient
social isolation, limited evidence base, and ineffective inter-disciplinary
collaboration (Fallon and Foley, 2012; Hopp et al., 2015). Limited research
exists in relation to the social work role in addressing the psychosocial needs of
those living with a palliative diagnosis; needs which can be largely over-looked
due to a focus on complex physical symptoms.
The research question, aim and objectives
Aim
"What are the experiences of community social workers supporting those
impacted by a non-malignant palliative condition?"
Aim: to critically explore the professional contributions of community social
workers working within adult services in the WHSCT, supporting those impacted
a non-malignant palliative condition.
Objectives:
· To clarify the roles and tasks undertaken by social workers when supporting
individuals impacted by a non-malignant palliative condition