Promoting excellence in pain management and palliative care for social workers

J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care. 2008;4(2):120-34. doi: 10.1080/15524250802353942.

Abstract

Social workers, like other health care providers, may lack the necessary skills for effective pain and symptom management and to competently address the complex yet critical bio-psychosocial-spiritual needs facing seriously ill patients and their families. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of a national educational program designed to promote excellence in pain management and palliative care for social work professionals. Initial evaluation data (N = 276) are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of this innovative educational program.

MeSH terms

  • Curriculum
  • Female
  • Health Education / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / psychology
  • Pain Management*
  • Palliative Care / organization & administration*
  • Palliative Care / psychology
  • Quality of Life
  • Social Support
  • Social Work / education*
  • Spirituality