Knowledge, training qualification and experiences of oncology social work services among generic medical social workers in Malaysia: a path toward enhancing support for cancer patients

Oncology social work services are integral to healthcare systems in many developed nations, particularly in light of the rising global incidence of cancer. This paper aims to assess the knowledge, training and experiences of medical social work officers working in government health facilities in Malaysia. The empirical data presented in this study originates from research conducted in 2022, utilizing an explanatory sequential design and critical descriptive analysis. A diverse range of methods was employed for primary data collection, including a self-report survey with a structured questionnaire, focus group discussions conducted according to semi-structured protocols, and in-depth interviews structured around semi-structured frameworks. The findings of this research provide significant insights into the qualifications, training and knowledge necessary to enhance the effectiveness of medical social work services in Malaysia. By strengthening these services, we can further advance the practices of oncology social work in government health facilities throughout the country.