Journal of pain and symptom management
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2022
Defining Core Competencies and A Call to Action: Dissecting and Embracing the Crucial and Multifaceted Social Work Role in Pediatric Palliative Care.
While social workers are a well-established, part of the pediatric palliative care team, this manuscript presents the first published definition of the core competencies of a pediatric palliative care social worker. National experts in the field, guided by the pediatric special interest group of the Social Work Hospice and Palliative Network (SWHPN), worked together to articulate, and define core competencies. ⋯ They can also support improved interdisciplinary practice by assisting interprofessional colleagues in understanding and articulating the critical role of social workers as part of the PPC team. Additionally, such competencies may contribute to the growing development of role descriptions necessary for the hiring of social workers onto growing PPC teams, while also providing a framework for the creation and support of curricula centered on the subspeciality education and training of the next generation of PPC social workers.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Jun 2022
Brain Death Determination and Communication: An Innovative Approach Using Simulation and Standardized Patients.
Palliative medicine clinicians in hospital settings are often involved in the care of patients dying in critical care settings, with a subset from brain death. Brain death is a complex concept, not only for families, but also for clinicians. There is wide variability in adhering to formalized guidelines for brain death determination. In addition, communication techniques regarding brain death determination are distinct from those used in shared decision-making. There is a need to obtain knowledge and practical skills in brain death determination, including examination and communication. Simulation can provide a low-stakes setting to practice the process of brain death determination and communication. ⋯ Simulation is a practical and constructive method for teaching the challenging concepts and unique communication skills involved in brain death determination.