Journal of social work in end-of-life & palliative care
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J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care · Jan 2005
Comparative StudyBeliefs, death, anxiety, denial, and treatment preferences in end-of-life care: a comparison of social work students, community residents, and medical students.
This study examined cultural and religious beliefs, death anxiety, denial, and medical treatment preferences in end-of-life care in a sample of social work students, community residents, and medical students in a mid-western city of 49,000. Results indicated that most social work students, community residents, and medical students preferred palliative as opposed to life-prolonging care during terminal illness. ⋯ Students reported less denial of terminality than community residents. Implications for personal and professional preparation to provide end-of-life care are discussed.
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J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care · Jan 2005
Case ReportsFacilitating forgiveness and peaceful closure: the therapeutic value of psychosocial intervention in end-of-life care.
The importance of addressing psychosocial concerns with dying patients is pivotal to facilitating peaceful closure in end of- life care. The social worker's role in recognizing and providing skilled, psychosocial intervention with patients and families in hospice programs is significant. ⋯ The case offers social work knowledge and skills and demonstrates the therapeutic benefit of addressing psychosocial needs in end-of-life care. The importance of targeted training and continued skill development for social workers in end-of-life treatment settings is emphasized.
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J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care · Jan 2005
Comparative StudyHome-based palliative care study: site of death, and costs of medical care for patients with congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer.
To examine differences in site of death and costs of services by primary diagnosis for patients receiving home-based palliative care as compared to usual care at the end of life. ⋯ Provision of interdisciplinary home-based palliative care at end of life can effectively increase the likelihood of dying at home for patients with CHF, COPD, and cancer while realizing significant cost savings.
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J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care · Jan 2005
Pediatric palliative and end-of-life care: the role of social work in pediatric oncology.
Pediatric oncology social workers are often engaged in the psychosocial care of dying children and their families. Despite their participation on the interdisciplinary team, the role for social work in pediatric palliative and end-of-life care has not been clearly defined. This survey of 131 pediatric oncology social workers identified current and best social work practices for care of children and their families at the end of life. Implications for practice, education, and research are discussed.
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J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care · Jan 2005
Social workers' use of spiritual practices in palliative care.
Numerous studies have examined client use of spiritual and/or religious practices to cope with illness and adversity. This study explores social workers' use of spiritual practices as reflected in their work with palliative care clients. ⋯ The total number of these approaches is predicted by factors such as theoretical orientation and the social workers' own struggles with palliative care and other issues. Our study supports the need for additional investigation of spiritual issues in practice.