Continuous care of cancer patients through the lens of social work

Abstract

The paper explains the importance of the role of social workers in multidisciplinary teams providing continuous care for oncologic patients. Abroad, oncology social workers are members of these teams. The authors propose adopting this practice and involving social workers in oncology treatment in Slovakia since this approach is currently missing. An information guide (brochure) is proposed to raise awareness of the social preventive measures, social treatment, and social patient care, to explain and justify the social risk aspects and consequences of cancer, and to address it in terms of social work. In terms of the multidisciplinary approach, the paper empirically examines the attitudes of oncologists and oncology nurses towards such a brochure. The results indicate that the respondents have a positive attitude to the brochure and to social care for cancer patients.