Children with cancer: how parents view social work help

The parents of 16 children with cancer discuss aspects of the social work help they received at the oncology unit of a children's hospital early in their child's illness. In a semi-structured interview schedule, parents identified the emotional trauma resulting from the illness as more significant to them than practical problems. Reactions to the prospect of referral to a social worker were negative, though actual contact proved helpful. Seeing a social worker may be more useful to parents if scheduled after they have had time to absorb information about the diagnosis and treatment plans. Results of the study made staff more aware of the psychosocial trauma suffered by parents, and of the need to explain to parents the help that the social worker can offer.