Palliative and end-of-life care in the masters of social work curriculum

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathy Berkman ◽  
Gary L. Stein
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Core Curriculum ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Wide Range

ABSTRACTObjective:There is a shortage of social workers who have palliative care expertise. The aging U.S. population and advances in extending life for seriously ill persons require social workers in a wide range of health care and other settings with specialized palliative care expertise, as well as those with basic competence in palliative care. The objective of the present study was to document course content on palliative care in MSW programs in the United States and Canada.Method:A cross-sectional design with an online questionnaire was used. All 248 accredited MSW programs in the United States and 32 programs in Canada were invited to participate. The measures included the characteristics of the courses on palliative care.Results:Of the 105 participating programs, only 10 had courses dedicated to palliative care, 9 of which were part of a specialization/certificate program. Few programs had plans to develop a dedicated course. There were 106 courses in 63 MSW programs with some content on palliative care. The majority of these had <25%, and few had at least 50%, of palliative care content.Significance of Results:Curricula are needed for preparing MSW graduates for specialty hospice and palliative care practice and non-specialty practice. While there are practice competencies for specialty practitioners, consensus on a core curriculum for all MSW students would be beneficial. Consensus on basic palliative care knowledge and skills for non-specialty social workers in health care and other settings and subsequent curriculum development are also needed. Innovative ways in which to introduce basic and more specialized content on palliative care into the already-crowded MSW curricula will be needed.

What are social work students being taught about palliative care?

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 536-541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary L. Stein ◽  
Cathy Berkman ◽  
Bonnie Pollak
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Advance Care Planning ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Care Planning ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Advance Care

AbstractObjectivePalliative social workers have taken steps to increase the numbers of social workers trained and competent to deliver effective psychosocial palliative care. Despite these developments, masters of social work (MSW) programs have only begun to develop curricula preparing students for entry-level practice. This study sought to determine the type and extent of content areas included in MSW courses dedicated to palliative care or with content related to palliative care practice.MethodA cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was conducted. All 248 accredited MSW programs in the United States and 32 programs in Canada were invited to participate. Participants were asked to name the courses in their MSW program that were dedicated to, or included content on, palliative care, and submit the syllabi for these courses. Data comprised course content for each class session and required readings. A grounded theory approach was used to identify the topics covered.ResultOf the 105 participating programs that responded to the survey, 42 submitted 70 syllabi for courses with at least some palliative care content. There were 29 topics identified. The most common topic was grief, loss, and bereavement, followed closely by behavioral and mental health issues, and supporting family and friends; cultural perspectives and advance care planning were also common topics. For the 10 syllabi from courses dedicated to palliative care, supporting family was the most common topical area, followed closely by interprofessional practice and advance care planning.Significance of resultsAlthough there are many challenges to introducing palliative care content into MSW programs, including unqualified faculty and competing course material and electives of equally compelling content, there are model curricula for dedicated palliative care courses. With the large growth of palliative care programs, the time is ripe to add specialty palliative care courses and to add palliative care content into existing courses.

High–Tech, Aggressive Palliative Care: In the Service of Quality of Life

1993 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Dush
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
United States ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Hospice Care ◽  
High Technology ◽  
The United States ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Hospice Movement

The hospice movement grew in part as a reaction to the perception that modern medical care had become too technological at the expense of being impersonal and insensitive to human psychological and spiritual concerns. In the United States, the institutionalization of hospice care under Medicare and other reimbursement systems has further established hospice as an alternative to high-technology, high-cost care. The present paper examines the question: What if hospice care becomes itself high-technology, aggressive, costly health care in order to remain true to its goal of maximizing quality of life? Implications for the goals and philosophical underpinnings of palliative care are discussed.

Immigration and Contract Problems Experienced by Foreign-Educated Nurses

2012 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Pittman ◽  
Carolina Herrera ◽  
Joanne Spetz ◽  
Catherine R. Davis
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Low Income ◽  
The United States ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Labor Rights ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Quality Health Care ◽  
International Recruitment ◽  
The Impact

More than 8% of employed RNs licensed since 2004 in the United States were educated overseas, yet little is known about the conditions of their recruitment or the impact of that experience on health care practice. This study assessed whether the labor rights of foreign-educated nurses were at risk during the latest period of high international recruitment: 2003 to 2007. Using consensus-based standards contained in the Voluntary Code of Ethical Conduct for the Recruitment of Foreign-Educated Health Professionals to the United States, this study found 50% of actively recruited foreign-educated nurses experienced a negative recruitment practice. The study also found that nurses educated in low-income countries and nurses with high contract breach fees, were significantly more likely to report such problems. If, as experts believe may occur, the nursing shortage in the United States returns around 2014, oversight of international recruitment will become critically important to delivering high-quality health care to Americans.

Predictors and Outcomes of Burnout Among Primary Care Providers in the United States: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 387-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cilgy M. Abraham ◽  
Katherine Zheng ◽  
Lusine Poghosyan
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Practice Environment ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Designs

Primary care providers (PCPs) in the United States work in challenging environments and may be at risk for burnout. This article identifies the predictors and outcomes of burnout among PCPs in the United States. A comprehensive literature search of eight databases was conducted to identify studies investigating predictors or outcomes of PCP burnout. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal checklists for cross-sectional and cohort studies were used for quality appraisal. Overall, 21 studies met inclusion criteria, had sufficient quality, reported personal and/or organizational predictors of burnout, and described burnout outcomes at the patient, provider, or organizational level. Prevalence of PCP burnout ranged from 13.5% to 60%. The primary care practice environment was the most common predictor of PCP burnout. In conclusion, developing interventions to improve the practice environment may help reduce PCP burnout. Future studies using robust study designs and standardized instruments to consistently measure burnout are needed.

A cross-sectional pilot study of compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction in pediatric palliative care providers in the United States

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (03) ◽  
pp. 269-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel M. Kase ◽  
Elisha D. Waldman ◽  
Andrea S. Weintraub
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Clinical Situation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Pediatric Palliative Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional

AbstractObjectiveCompassion fatigue (CF) is secondary traumatic distress experienced by providers from contact with patients' suffering. Burnout (BO) is job-related distress resulting from uncontrollable workplace factors that manifest in career dissatisfaction. Compassion satisfaction (CS) is emotional fulfillment derived from caring for others. The literature on BO in healthcare providers is extensive, whereas CF and CS have not been comprehensively studied. Because of ongoing exposure to patient and family distress, pediatric palliative care (PPC) providers may be at particular risk for CF. We conducted a cross-sectional pilot study of CF, BO, and CS among PPC providers across the United States.MethodThe Compassion Fatigue and Satisfaction Self-Test for Helpers and a questionnaire of professional and personal characteristics were distributed electronically and anonymously to PPC physicians and nurses. Logistic and linear regression models for CF, BO, and CS as a function of potential risk factors were constructed.ResultsThe survey response rate was 39%, primarily consisting of female, Caucasian providers. The prevalence of CF, BO, and CS was 18%, 12%, and 25%, respectively. Distress about a “clinical situation,” physical exhaustion, and personal loss were identified as significant determinants of CF. Distress about “coworkers,” emotional depletion, social isolation, and “recent involvement in a clinical situation in which life-prolonging activities were not introduced” were significant determinants of BO. Physical exhaustion, personal history of trauma, “recent involvement in a clinical situation in which life-prolonging activities were not introduced,” and not discussing distressing issues were significant predictors of lower CS scores.Significance of resultsCF and BO directly influence the well-being and professional performance of PPC providers. To provide effective compassionate care to patients, PPC providers must be attentive to predictors of these phenomena. Further work is needed to explore additional causes of CF, BO, and CS in PPC providers as well as potential interventions.

Developing the Discipline and Practice of Comprehensive Men’s Health

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 342-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore J. Giorgianni ◽  
Demetrius J. Porche ◽  
Scott T. Williams ◽  
Janet H. Matope ◽  
Brandon L. Leonard
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Core Curriculum ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
The United States ◽  
Men’S Health ◽  
Men's Health

Men of all ages in the United States experience disproportionately higher rates of morbidity and premature death than females. The reasons for this are complex and include biological, sociological, and health system–related issues, but this is also in part due to the fact that men and boys tend to lead more risky lifestyles and generally avoid preventive care when compared with women and girls. These disparities not only affect males but also their loved ones and can adversely affect their participation in the workforce and in their communities. Better understanding of the drivers of men’s health disparities is needed to enable health professionals to more effectively address this problem. One of the fundamental building blocks for changing health care delivery to males is to provide a core curricular framework for education and training of health professionals related to the specific health issues of men and boys. This article will present a study assessing what men’s health courses are available in the United States and identifying the content within such courses that will prepare health care professionals to deliver programs and care to this demographic. The study identified that as of 2012, there were only 21 courses in 18 institutions that address gender-appropriate health care for boys and men. The authors conclude that developing and incorporating an expert, consensus-based men’s health core curriculum in universities and colleges, particularly in health professional programs, is an extremely important cornerstone in advancing the science and practice of true and balanced gender-based care delivery.

Prejudice and the Medical Profession: A Five-Year Update

2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter A. Clark
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Ethnic Minorities ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
The United States ◽  
Institute Of Medicine ◽  
Racial And Ethnic Minorities ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Care System

Over the past decades the mortality rate in the United States has decreased and life expectancy has increased. Yet a number of recent studies have drawn Americans attention to the fact that racial and ethnic disparities persist in health care. It is clear that the U.S. health care system is not only flawed for many reasons including basic injustices, but may be the cause of both injury and death for members of racial and ethnic minorities.In 2002, an Institute of Medicine (IOM) report requested by Congress listed more than 100 studies documenting a wide range of disparities in the United States health care system. This report found that people belonging to racial and ethnic minorities often receive lower quality of health care than do people of European descent, even when their medical insurance coverage and income levels are the same as that of the latter.

The Prevalence of Dysphagia among Adults in the United States

2014 ◽  
Vol 151 (5) ◽  
pp. 765-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Bhattacharyya
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Care ◽  
National Health ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Seek Health Care ◽  
Swallowing Problems ◽  
Care Survey

Objective To determine the prevalence of dysphagia, reported etiologies, and impact among adults in the United States. Study Design Cross-sectional analysis of a national health care survey. Subjects and Methods The 2012 National Health Interview Survey was analyzed, identifying adult cases reporting a swallowing problem in the preceding 12 months. In addition to demographic data, specific data regarding visits to health care professionals for swallowing problems, diagnoses given, and severity of the swallowing problem were analyzed. The relationship between swallowing problems and lost workdays was assessed. Results An estimated 9.44 ± 0.33 million adults (raw N = 1554; mean age, 52.1 years; 60.2% ± 1.6% female) reported a swallowing problem (4.0% ± 0.1%). Overall, 22.7% ± 1.7% saw a health care professional for their swallowing problem, and 36.9% ± 0.1.7% were given a diagnosis. Women were more likely than men to report a swallowing problem (4.7% ± 0.2% versus 3.3% ± 0.2%, P < .001). Of the patients, 31.7% and 24.8% reported their swallowing problem to be a moderate or a big/very big problem, respectively. Stroke was the most commonly reported etiology (422,000 ± 77,000; 11.2% ± 1.9%), followed by other neurologic cause (269,000 ± 57,000; 7.2% ± 1.5%) and head and neck cancer (185,000 ± 40,000; 4.9% ± 1.1%). The mean number of days affected by the swallowing problem was 139 ± 7. Respondents with a swallowing problem reported 11.6 ± 2.0 lost workdays in the past year versus 3.4 ± 0.1 lost workdays for those without a swallowing problem (contrast, +8.1 lost workdays, P < .001). Conclusion Swallowing problems affect 1 in 25 adults, annually. A relative minority seek health care for their swallowing problem, even though the subjective impact and associated workdays lost with the swallowing problem are significant.

scholarly journals Coping With and Adapting to COVID-19 in Rural United States and Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 102 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-90
Author(s):  
Donna Wang ◽  
Jill M. Chonody ◽  
Kathryn Krase ◽  
Leina Luzuriaga
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Small Towns ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Personal Impact ◽  
Levels Of Support

Guidelines aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 resulted in major changes in people’s lives. A cross-sectional online survey, completed by 1,405 adults in Canada and the United States in June 2020, found respondents from rural areas/small towns reported better coping and adjustment (i.e., less use of substances for support), less personal impact, less life disruption, and fewer challenges with transportation and health care, than urban and suburban respondents. Those in rural areas were less likely to use the newspaper, but more likely to use social media, for information. Finally, rural respondents reported higher levels of support for their national leadership’s response to the pandemic. The needs and strengths of rural areas, as well as approaches to serve rural areas are discussed.

scholarly journals Nursing Home Social Workers Perceptions of Preparedness and Coping for COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian J Miller ◽  
Noelle L Fields ◽  
Keith A Anderson ◽  
Nancy Kusmaul ◽  
Christy Maxwell
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nursing Home Staff ◽  
Additional Support

Abstract Objectives Social work has a long history of responding to the needs of vulnerable populations during times of crisis and disaster. Social workers are working at the front lines responding to the current COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of health care practice settings, including nursing homes; however, it is unclear how social workers perceive their preparedness during this time. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional survey to nursing home social workers via social media on feelings of preparedness for COVID-19, what has been most professionally helpful for social workers during these times in their role in COVID-19, as well as demographic questions. Demographic data were analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data were analyzed using the rigorous and accelerated data reduction technique. Results Data are based on a sample of 63 (N = 63) nursing home social workers. Findings revealed that while some social workers felt prepared for the coronavirus, many respondents stated that they were unprepared to meet the demands and challenges they were facing. Moreover, participants shared that professional support was critically important to get through COVID-19. Discussion These findings are important, as social workers are tasked with ensuring each resident attains their highest level of psychosocial well-being, which can be achieved only when nursing home staff are supported. Findings from the present study suggest that additional support for nursing home staff ought to include peer mentoring and mutual support. Additionally, improved leadership across health care settings is worth assessing.

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