Journal of social work in end-of-life & palliative care
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Research on hospice use by Latinos, although increasing since the late 1990s, remains sparse. This article presents a review of the recent available literature on this topic within the past 15 years. The main aspects discussed are access to hospice care and various factors that researchers suggest affect Latino utilization of hospice care. ⋯ No evidence exists to indicate that Latinos are dissatisfied with services once they receive them. Also, no evidence exists to indicate they want services but cannot obtain them. Implications for social work practice and research are discussed.
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J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care · Jan 2005
Comparative StudyHome-based palliative care study: site of death, and costs of medical care for patients with congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer.
To examine differences in site of death and costs of services by primary diagnosis for patients receiving home-based palliative care as compared to usual care at the end of life. ⋯ Provision of interdisciplinary home-based palliative care at end of life can effectively increase the likelihood of dying at home for patients with CHF, COPD, and cancer while realizing significant cost savings.
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J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care · Jan 2005
Pediatric palliative and end-of-life care: the role of social work in pediatric oncology.
Pediatric oncology social workers are often engaged in the psychosocial care of dying children and their families. Despite their participation on the interdisciplinary team, the role for social work in pediatric palliative and end-of-life care has not been clearly defined. This survey of 131 pediatric oncology social workers identified current and best social work practices for care of children and their families at the end of life. Implications for practice, education, and research are discussed.
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J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care · Jan 2005
Social workers' use of spiritual practices in palliative care.
Numerous studies have examined client use of spiritual and/or religious practices to cope with illness and adversity. This study explores social workers' use of spiritual practices as reflected in their work with palliative care clients. ⋯ The total number of these approaches is predicted by factors such as theoretical orientation and the social workers' own struggles with palliative care and other issues. Our study supports the need for additional investigation of spiritual issues in practice.
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J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care · Jan 2005
Professional social work education in end-of-life care: contributions of the Project on Death in America's Social Work Leadership Development program.
Social work education in both BSW and MSW level courses is missing vital content about end-of-life care, palliative care, and bereavement. End-of-life care training opportunities through continuing education programs have also been limited. ⋯ These include: end-of-life care courses, symposia, training manuals, certificate programs and fellowships. Although the curricula continue to be refined, many of these programs are available to practitioners to advance their knowledge and skills and their curricular models are available to social work educators for possible replication.