The Current Situation and Challenges of Social Worker Intervention and Support in Palliative Care Unit: Support Focusing on Bereaved Family

Abstract

Background: The extent and nature of support provided by social workers in palliative care unit (PCU) remain insufficiently elucidated in the current literature. Objective: The objectives of this study are: (1) to clarify the intervention status and support activities of social workers in PCU, and (2) to identify the relevant factors related to bereavement support in PCU. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted targeting social workers responsible for support in PCU. Results: An overall understanding of the intervention status and support activities of social workers in PCU was obtained. Additionally, it was found that factors related to experience, such as social workers’ professional experience and practical experience in PCU, were related to bereavement support. Conclusion: For social workers to provide comprehensive support in PCU, it is important for them to accumulate professional experience as social workers and practical experience in PCU. Furthermore, creating an environment that facilitates this accumulation of experience is also crucial.