Job Experiences, Stakeholder Expectations, and Policy Challenges of Early-Career Social Workers in Hospice and Palliative Care: A Qualitative Study.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the job experiences of early-career social workers with <2 years of experience in hospice and palliative care, examine the expectations of related stakeholders, and propose policy recommendations for the advancement of this field. Methods: Two focus group interviews were conducted with 10 early-career social workers working in hospice and palliative care settings, and the findings were analyzed using a constant comparative method. Results: The analysis revealed that while early-career social workers experienced personal growth and a sense of fulfillment in their roles, they also faced various challenges as they adapted to the unique environment and intervention approaches of hospice and palliative care teams. Hospice social workers are expected to serve as communication bridges between patients, caregivers, and medical staff while fulfilling their core responsibilities. However, a considerable gap was observed between these expectations and the realities of their work. For the advancement of hospice and palliative care, self-reflection and identity formation by social workers are necessary for personal transformation, while policy-level measures such as human resource management, job systematization, and organizational and systemic reform are also required. Conclusion: This study provides valuable foundational data and clinical preparation guidelines for early-career social workers entering the hospice and palliative care field. Furthermore, it offers evidence supporting the policy and institutional changes essential for the continued development of hospice and palliative care.