The Role of Social Workers in Pediatric Oncology

Verulava, Tengiz and Tinatin, Asatiani and Beka, Dangadze and Revaz, Jorbenadze (2019) The Role of Social Workers in Pediatric Oncology. Archives of the Balkan Medical Union, 54 (2). pp. 315-319. ISSN 1584-9244

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Abstract

Introduction. In the past years, the role of social workers in the oncological disease treatment processes has significantly increased. The role implies supporting patient’s psychosocial conditions. The objective of the study was to study the psycho-social challenges of oncological children and their families and to define a role of social work in this area. Methods. As part of a qualitative study, five interviews were conducted with pediatric oncologists, also 15 in-depth interviews with family members of oncological patients and a focus group with 8 members. For the quantitative study, 62 beneficiaries and 12 medical specialists were interviewed. Results. The children with oncology conditions and their families faced psycho-social challenges and were in need of social workers’ support in overcoming those challenges. The study demonstrated a low level of public awareness. There is a lack of information among both doctors and beneficiaries. Both psychologists and social workers are involved in re-socialization of oncological children and they care for the improvement of children’s quality of life and support their families. However, there are only a few of such organizations. Therefore, many people who need their support have no chance to take such services. Conclusion. Implementing the social work in the pediatric oncology will be a major step toward the medical quality standards.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	pediatric oncology, childhood cancer, social worker
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HL Healthcare Policy and Management H Social Sciences > HO Public Health R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Centres > Insurance and Public Health Center
Depositing User:	Professor Tengiz Verulava
Date Deposited:	05 Jul 2019 15:00
Last Modified:	05 Jul 2019 15:00
URI:	http://eprints.iliauni.edu.ge/id/eprint/9096

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