Where is the voice of social work in the multi disciplinary palliative care team?

Abstract

In the medical world, audits are frequently conducted to assess performance ideals and generate better outcomes for staff and patients. Audits are not such a common measure in social work. In order to begin to find a place to articulate the value of social work within the work of Hospice, a snapshot survey was taken of referrals within Hospice programmes within a specified three month period. The results of the audit revealed some striking commonalities as well as variations which may reflect the communities the Hospices operate within. The results of four other audits taken within the social work literature are presented. Snapshot ‘quotes’ taken from international researchers set a foundation for social workers to articulate the value of their role within palliative care. It is argued that unless social workers begin to articulate the value of their skills, they are in danger of becoming a forgotten voice in the multi disciplinary team caring for the needs of Hospice patients and families.