Is Social Work Prepared for Diversity in Hospice and Palliative Care?

The purpose of this article is to assess current and future trends in hospice and palliative care with the objective of informing culturally appropriate best practice for social work. Concern for the intersectionality of racial, ethnic, social, and other differences in end-of-life (EOL) care is imperative given the ever growing range of diversity characteristics among the increasing aging populations in the United States. A review of literature from the current decade that is pertinent to the profession contributes to the ability of social work to consider evidence and build agreement germane to EOL practice settings. Administrative reports, government data, academic literature, professional standards, and assessment tools contribute to the profession's ability to work toward cultural competence and develop practice strategies for EOL care. The varied roles held by social workers across health care arenas provide a unique opportunity to promote cultural competence and advance best practice on all levels of work.