ArticlePalliative & supportive care2026
"We are caring for the whole person": A qualitative study of social work's role in palliative cancer care.
Article in Palliative & supportive care, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
objectivesThe importance of palliative care in cancer care is underscored, yet there is a significant gap in research specifically focusing on the role of social workers in palliative cancer care. This qualitative study aims to better articulate the specific roles of social workers within palliative oncology settings.
methodsData were collected by semi-structured Zoom interviews with social workers in palliative cancer care between November 2023 and January 2024. Thematic analysis was used to identify unique themes.
resultsTen social workers in palliative cancer care were recruited for this study. Eight key themes related to social workers' role emerged from the interviews. These were the following: (1) mapping out holistic needs through a biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment, (2) providing individual and family counseling, (3) patient and family psychoeducation, (4) resource identification and referral, (5) building communication bridges between patients, families, and oncology teams, (6) promoting patient and family engagement and voice in shared decision-making in cancer care, (7) providing anticipatory grief and bereavement counseling, and (8) strengthening team resilience and fostering well-being. SIGNIFICANCE OF
resultsThis study builds upon prior work by focusing specifically on the roles of palliative care social workers in oncology. The findings highlight the multifaceted roles of social workers, demonstrating their capacity to deliver holistic care to cancer patients, families, and healthcare providers to enhance quality of care. The findings may help inform the development of training curricula and practice standards for the subspecialty of oncology-focused palliative social work.
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