Role of the social worker in palliative care

The role of the social worker in the palliative care team is defined by five main functions--assessment, counselling, liaison with local resources and agencies, training and development activities, and staff support. The difference between the social work task, which may be undertaken by any member of the palliative care team, and the social work role is emphasized. Social workers bring to the team particular skills in working with families, children and groups. Their training helps them to locate the patient and family within a social and cultural context and thus to exploit resources which may help the family to resolve the difficulties they face. A method of family assessment is explored and a case study illustrates a family intervention including direct work with children.