Pediatric Palliative Care Social Work Roles

Social Work Roles in a Pediatric Palliative Care Program : 

Social Work Roles in a Pediatric Palliative Care Program

Social Worker Roles : 

Social Worker Roles Assess mental health needs of all family members. Provide emotional support to patients, siblings, and parents. Provide individual therapy (in-home, office, collaboratively with another provider) around coping with palliative care issues. Provide family therapy in the home to increase emotional stability and overall quality of life for the patient. Provide education around appropriate grief responses of children. Link to appropriate psychosocial and mental health resources in local community. Provide communication between community providers, in-home supports, and family members. Educate and support mental health professionals around issues in palliative care.

Chronic Pain and Palliative Care : 

Chronic Pain and Palliative Care

Psychological Considerations in Pain Management : 

Psychological Considerations in Pain Management Difficulties in diagnosis Degree of successful pain control in the past Impact on everyday life Future course of condition Previous experience with medical providers Family support and influence on management

Pain-Depression Cycle : 

Pain-Depression Cycle Pain Depression

Case Example: : 

17 yr old female with multiple benign bone tumors Diagnosed at age 2, six surgeries at joint sites, moderate pain management though surgeries and medication Increased pain for the last 14 months due to sites that are not surgically correctable and limiting mobility. New knowledge that her genetic composition shows her condition is life long, not ending in the post puberty stage as this condition typically does. She is primarily home bound and is unable to attend school due to the degree of pain she identifies. Case Example:

Psychological Challenges in Managing Pain : 

Psychological Challenges in Managing Pain Ineffective coping skills Negative framework Locus of Control Family system/support Stage of motivation Cognitive thought patterns

With holistic care… : 

With holistic care… Change is possible.

It is not sudden…. : 

It is not sudden…. It is a process that takes time

The Outcome of Interdisciplinary work in Pain Management is Significant : 

The Outcome of Interdisciplinary work in Pain Management is Significant “Amy” has shown improved quality of life, more positive attitude, and increased ability to tolerate challenges associated with her condition, without significant changes in medication.