E-CARE as core competencies for palliative social workers: a systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Social Work
• Healthcare Competencies

Background:

• Social workers play a crucial role in palliative care, addressing complex psychosocial and systemic challenges.
• Existing literature lacks a defined framework for core social work competencies in this specialized field.

Approach:

• A systematic review of 19 high-quality studies was conducted.
• Studies published in English and Chinese up to February 2025 were included.

Key Points:

• Five core competencies were identified: Ethics, Coordination, Assessment, Resource Allocation, and Education (E-CARE).
• Social workers function as interdisciplinary coordinators, communication facilitators, and educators.
• They address psychosocial, emotional, and environmental challenges within resource constraints.

Conclusions:

• The E-CARE framework equips social workers to navigate complex care ecosystems and foster team cohesion.
• It enhances their ability to advocate for patient autonomy and destigmatize end-of-life discussions.
• Ongoing training in these competencies promotes resilience, especially in resource-limited settings.