Creating social work competencies for practice in hospice palliative care

Area of Science:

• Social Work
• Hospice and Palliative Care

Background:

• Social workers have a long-standing presence in Hospice Palliative Care.
• Their unique perspective aligns with the holistic philosophy of end-of-life care.
• The specific roles and functions of social workers in this field lacked clear definition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clearly define the role and functions of social workers in Hospice Palliative Care.
• To achieve consensus on core competencies for social work practice in this area.

Main Methods:

• A Canadian task group of social work practitioners and educators was formed.
• A modified Delphi process was employed, involving national consultation with frontline clinicians.
• Consensus was reached on the identification and description of core competencies.

Main Results:

• Eleven core competencies for social workers in Hospice Palliative Care were identified and described.
• These competencies are applicable across various experience levels and care settings.
• The findings provide a framework for social work practice, professional development, and education.

Conclusions:

• The identified core competencies provide a clear definition for social work roles in Hospice Palliative Care.
• These competencies can guide social work practice, education, and professional development in end-of-life care.
• This consensus-based framework supports the integration and advancement of social work within the field.