Social Workers in Hospice and Palliative Care in Indian Contect: Voices from the field

Palliative care (PC) is emerging as an important area of practice in healthcare, where social workers’ involvement is vital in supporting patients and families through the many challenges and difficulties inherent in living with a life limiting illness, as well as in identifying opportunities to assist them with the difficult process of end-of-life planning. Objectives: The objective of this study is to explore the need for social work, roles played and the varied nature of palliative care social work in Indian context. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative research design. Eight participants who are expert practitioners with specific experience in palliative care were recruited purposively following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants completed an online informed consent form. Data were collected through scheduled interviews via online platform and an online form that contained open-ended questions for the participants to fill in. A semi-structured interview schedule was prepared by the research team to guide the data collection. Data were simultaneously analyzed manually using thematic analysis guidelines. The interviews were transcribed, reviewed, and coded for common themes and sub-themes. Results: Experts working extensively in hospice and palliative care settings have described the need and roles of social workers. The findings have been classified into three broad themes and sub-themes. The broad themes are categorized into the following: the need for social workers in PC, roles played by social workers, qualifications and requirements. Conclusion: Social workers are an integral part of the palliative care team. It is crucial to distinctly define and outline the social workers’ role as it will help to advance the social work practice and competency building in the delivery of palliative care in India.