Nonphysical Suffering: An under-resourced and key role for hospice and palliative care social workers

Nonphysical Suffering: An under-resourced and key role for hospice and palliative care social workers
Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life & Palliative Care; by Maxxine Rattner & Cheryl-Anne Cait; 11/10/23
... Nonphysical suffering is suffering that may be emotional, psychological, social, spiritual and/or existential in nature. The study found an absence of specialist social workers on hospice and palliative care teams or limited time for specialist social workers to address patients’ nonphysical suffering due to high caseloads and complex practical needs. While the study recognizes social workers have expertise in supporting patients’ nonphysical suffering, a competency and skill that has not been sufficiently captured in the existing literature, the systemic barriers they face in providing care may leave patients’ needs unmet. The study also highlights the unique pressure social workers may feel to relieve patients’ nonphysical suffering due to the psychosocial focus of their role.