Social workers’ perceptions of their role in providing palliative care to patients with life-limiting illnesses : a qualitative study among social workers in primary care settings in Namibia

Abstract

This study explored social workers’ perceptions of their role in providing palliative care to patients with life-limiting illnesses in six hospitals across Namibia. A qualitative grounded theory approach was use in which in-depth interviews were conduct with twenty (20) social workers. Several key findings are presented: First, the emerging constructivist grounded theory of social workers’ multi-dimensional roles in providing palliative include identities of advocate, assessor, broker, counsellor, educator, facilitator, patient liaison, mediator, discharge planner and manager of in-country referrals. Second, several participants’ uncertainties of what palliative care entails offered insight that they are in need of palliative care education and training. Third, healthcare professionals do not understand the role of the social workers and therefore social workers receive inadequate support from them. Fourth, there is a lack of in-service training and continuous education in palliative care. Fifth, there are inadequate practice opportunities in palliative care for undergraduate social work students. Finally, the well-being of social workers is another concern with limited debriefing opportunities available. Further research needs to be conducted and policy guidelines established to identify ways to improve the field of palliative care social work. In achieving this, formal education and palliative care practice opportunities for social workers need to be established, providing continuing education and establishing a Centre of Excellence on palliative care provision. This study argues that the social work profession is well positioned to draw upon its values, culture and experiences (particularly from their clients) to get involved in creating a constructivist grounded theory of social workers’ roles in providing palliative care.