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Addressing the needs of parents with advanced cancer: Attitudes, practice behaviors, and training experiences of oncology social workers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 September 2020

Laura J. Quillen ,
Nancy A. Borstelmann ,
Kate E. Stanton ,
Courtney A. Nelson ,
Stephanie A. Chien ,
Savannah M. Bowers ,
Catherine L. Swift ,
Yulissa Gonzalez ,
Samantha M. Yi  and
Eliza M. Park Open the ORCID record for Eliza M. Park [Opens in a new window]
Laura J. Quillen
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Nancy A. Borstelmann
Affiliation:
Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
Kate E. Stanton
Affiliation:
Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Courtney A. Nelson
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Stephanie A. Chien
Affiliation:
School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Savannah M. Bowers
Affiliation:
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Catherine L. Swift
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Yulissa Gonzalez
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Samantha M. Yi
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Eliza M. Park*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
*
Author for correspondence: Eliza M. Park, Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, 170 Manning Drive, Campus Box #7305, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. E-mail: leeza_park@med.unc.edu
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Abstract

Objective

Advanced cancer patients who are parents of minor children experience heightened psychosocial distress. Oncology social workers (OSWs) are essential providers of psychosocial support to parents with advanced cancer. Yet, little is known about the experiences and approaches of OSWs in addressing these patients’ unique needs. The purpose of this study was to characterize the attitudes, practice behaviors, and training experiences of OSWs who provide psychosocial care for advanced cancer patients with minor children.

Method

Forty-one OSWs participated in a cross-sectional survey addressing multiple facets of their psychosocial care for parents with advanced cancer. The five assessed domains of psychosocial support were communication support, emotional support, household support, illness and treatment decision-making support, and end-of-life planning.

Results

Participants reported greatest confidence in counseling patients on communication with children about illness and providing support to co-parents about parenting concerns. OSWs reported less confidence in counseling parents on end-of-life issues and assisting families with non-traditional household structures. The majority of participants reported needing more time in their clinical practice to sufficiently address parents’ psychosocial needs. Nearly 90% of participants were interested in receiving further training on the care of parents with advanced cancer.

Significance of results

To improve the care of parents with advanced cancer, it is critical to understand how the psychosocial oncology workforce perceives its clinical practice needs. Study findings suggest an opportunity for enhanced training, particularly with respect to end-of-life needs and in response to the changing household structure of American families.

Keywords

CancerOncologyParentsPsychosocialSocial work
Type
Original Article
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 19 , Issue 3 , June 2021 , pp. 329 - 334
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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